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WRENTHAM JUBILEE. 



SERMON 



PREACHED IN WRENTHAM, MASS 



JUNE 12, 1849, 



BY REV. ELISHA FISK, 



FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY 



OF HIS ORDINATION. 



AS PABTOB OP THE ORIGIXAL CONGaBGATIOXAL CHaaCH V% EAID TOfTS. 



WITH AN APPENDIX. 



BOSTON 




ParSTKD BT C. C. p. MOODT, AT THE OLD EICELUiSOX OFPICE, 
G2 WASHUfGlTON STREET. 

1850. 






Rev. Eltsha Fisk, 

Dear Sir : — Having listened with great pleasure to your Discourse, 
delivered yesterday, upon the Semi-centennial Anniversary of your 
Ordination, we beg leave to express our earnest desire to see it in a 
more durable form. The event is one of rare occurrence, and the 
Sermon was to us one of great and permanent interest. "We respect- 
fully solicit from you a copy of it for the press. 

\ Horace James, 



Members of the Committee of 
Arrangements. 



Wrentham, June 13th, 1849. 



Samuel Warner, Jr. 
Preston Pond, 
Calvin Fisher, Jr. 
Daniel A. Cook, 
Thomas S. Cobb, 
Curtis Stone. 



Horace James, 
Samuel Warner, Jr., 
Preston Pond, 
Calvin Fisher, Jr., 
Danikl a. Cook, 
Thomas S. Cobb, 
Curtis Stone. 



Members of the Committee of 
Arrangements. 



Gentlemen : — I thank you for the favorable opinion you express of 
the Sermon delivered on the 12th instant, and submit it to your disposal. 

Very respectfully yours, 

Elisha Fisk. 
Wrentham, June 14th, 1849. 



To the Reader. — A word of apology may be suitable, in view of 
the delay which has occurred in the publication of this Discourse. Oc- 
currences of a local and private nature have caused it; a circumstance 
on the whole to be regretted ; but less so from the fact that the pam- 
phlet possesses, we trust, a permanent value and interest. It is now 
commended to the kind attention of those who are interested in the 
events it commemorates. 



SERMON. 



•' Moreover, I will endeavor that ye may be able, after my decease, to have these 
things always in remembrance." — 2 Peter ^ 1 : 15. 

Peter was an apostle and minister of the Lord Jesus Christ. 
The text brings before us some of his views and feelings as such. 
Thej were, his own decease, his regard for those to whom he 
ministered, and his desire to be useful to them after he should be 
taken from them into another scene of existence. The means by 
which he would accomplish the end were, rehearsing and com- 
mitting to writing the things which they had seen and heard, more 
especially, during his ministry. He did not believe that they were 
things which had had their day and were no more to be regarded, 
but were still to be held in remembrance, for instruction and 
spiritual benefit. This desire was not peculiar to the apostle. 
Bunyan, and Baxter, and Newton, and Luther, and Doddridge, 
and Edwards, and Faller, and others, long since dead, had the 
same desire. Hence, the printed works which follow them, and 
will prolong their usefulness in ages yet to come. " Though the 
witnesses die, their testimony lives." 

The views and feelings of the apostle should be mine to-day. I 
must depart. My heart's desire should be to leave a blessing 
behind me for those with whom I have been associated in near and 
sacred relations. 

We find men in all ages commemorating past noticeable events, 
and rehearsing deeds of other days. There must, then, be some- 
thing interesting in the past, which awakens and stirs the human 
mind. To look back to conditions and events ; to recall to mind 
the spirit and acts of years gone by ; what we have experienced 
and witnessed in our earthly course, is something more than mere 



gratification of feeling. It is useful. The past is a treasure of 
knowledge, from which much may be drawn for present and future 
use. The memory is not an unnecessary faculty, nor history profit- 
less. They w^ould be so if nothing valuable is to be derived from 
the past. Let all which has been be left out of view, and one gen- 
eration would be of no use to another; and we must begin, not only 
every year, but every day in ignorance. God not only allows, bul 
requires men to review his past providences and their own conduct. 
'•^ Thou shalt remember all the way by which the Lord thy God hath 
led thee. Consider the days of old, the years of many generations, 
which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them 
known unto their children. That the generation to come might 
know them ; that they might set their hope in God and not forget 
the works of God.'' 

If we consider that human nature is the same which it has been ; 
that the same God reigns who has reigned ; that his providential 
and moral administration are the same, and conducted on the same 
principles, we may see that a review of the last fifty years may be 
productive of good. In looking over this period, we may see God 
and men and things as they have been manifested in that length of 
time, more especially within the circle of our own observation, and 
feel a fresh sense of obligation to Him who has presided over all. 

In our assembling on this occasion, we may and ought to have 
higher aims than merely to indulge a laudable propensity of our 
nature. It is not one of frequent occurrence and it should be 
noticed in a rehgious manner. 

You are aware that fifty years ago to-day my ordination took 
place. Nothing of all which has since occurred, in relation to 
myself, to the church, and people in this place, can be reversed. 
Unalterable is enstamped upon the whole. There may be, howr- 
ever, a review, with profit to ourselves and to the honor of God, 
Ecclesiastical, rather than other matters, should be the most promi- 
nent in discourses on occasions like the present. 

The topics to which I propose to direct attention will be men- 
tioned as they come to be considered. 

1. I begin ivith myself. 

If the letter I should appear more conspicuous than other letterg 
of the alphabet, the occasion will be considered as some apology. 



The places of my birth and burial, I trust, will not be far apart. 
The first Avas in what is now cailed West iNIedway, then Holliston, 
and I expect to be buried in Wrentham Centre. I wish to lie 
among those with whom I have lived and to whom I have minis- 
tered. Mj parents removed to Upton when I was a year and 
a half old. There I passed the years of my childhood and youth. 

But how came I into the ministry ? From early life I was serious- 
ly inclined, and even tenderly affected upon the subject of rehgion. 
The Holy Spirit often strove with me. When five years old, I 
had read the Bible through, in course. My serious cast of mind 
was observed by those about me. The observation was frequently 
made that I would be a minister. I felt inclined to be one. I 
remember going into retired places and preaching to surrounding 
objects. Circumstances favored my seriousness. The minister of 
the place, who was intimate in college with Rev. Mr. Bean, the last 
of my predecessors, except one, was faithful to me. To him, to 
my mother, and two or three other individuals, I was indebted for 
my continued thoughtfulness and concern. As to my further 
religious views and experience, I would only now say, that my 
convictions were deep and powerful, and continued many months. 
In the issue, all was light and peace and joy. Everything seemed 
to be praising God. 

I had a great desire for learning, and I read as I could get 
books and time. My mind became strongly fixed on getting a 
collegiate education. It seemed that I could not give up the 
object for any other course of life. But the way was hedged up. 

The minister of the place, and one or two others, favored my 
wishes. At length the way was opened ; and by close study, and 
by making every thing subserve my purpose, I finished the pre- 
paratory studies and entered Bro^vn University. 

During my last year in that institution, I thought more closely 
concerning the profession I should study. As a college life had 
rendered me less serious, I was somewhat inclined to read law. 

The consideration of my spiritual and eternal interests turned 
the point. I could not think of losing my soul, as I then feared I 
should, if I did not go into the ministry. I decided, and directed 
my studies accordingly. At length I was examined and hcensed 
to preach. Thus was I led into the gospel ministry. 
1^ 



But how came I to be settled in this place ? I was led by a 
way that I knew not. 

My entering the college which I did, instead of another, as I 
wished, and afterwards becoming an instructor in it, and the 
occasional supply of the pulpit here by one of its olQScers, prepared 
the way for my being known and employed as a candidate in this 
place. I came. Forty -eight candidates had preceded me.* Only 
one of the number received a call. His answer was in the negative. 

On the first Sabbath in May, in 1798, I commenced preaching 
to the Original Congregational Church and Society in Wrentham. 
Being invited elsewhere, I preached but a part of the time here 
during the following Summer and Autumn. After obtaining, in 
various ways, a knowledge of my doctrinal views and of church 
order and discipline, the church invited me to become their pastor 
and minister, November 9th, of the same year. Subsequently the 
society united with the church in their request. 

After unsuccessful attempts to induce them to withdraw the 
condition of a "six month's notice" in their call, I took the 
subject of an answer into serious consideration. I could settle in 
some other places with the prospect of less labor and difficulties, 
and of a competent support. The previous contentions, and 
divisions, and alienations here, were discouraging. I should have 
trials and difficulties to encounter in the very outset of my ministry. 
On the other hand, the union in the church and society, in regard to 
me, and the probable results should I decline to settle among them, 
seemed to indicate an affirmative answer. It was given April 25th. 
On the 12th of June, 1799, and about this hour, my ordination 
took place. The day was fair, the assembly large. Thus, in the 
providence of Him who appoints unto men the bounds of their hab- 
itation, was I brought to a settlement in this place. 

Seventeen churches were invited to sit in council. The Rev. 
Dr. Prentiss, of Medfield, offered the introductory prayer. The 
Rev. Dr. Hitchcock, of Providence, preached the Sermon. His 
text was 2 Corinthians, 4 : 3, 4. The Rev. Dr. Fobes, of Rayn- 
ham, offered the consecrating prayer. The Rev. Mr. Green, of 
Mansfield, gave the charge. The Rev. Mr. Wilder, of Attle- 

* See Appendix. 



borough, gave the right hand of fellowship ; and the Rev. Dr« 
Emmons, of Franklin, offered the concluding prayer, on that solemn 
occasion. I believe that Mr. Cyrus Guild led the choir of singers. 
Mr. Benjamin Day, a member of the church, entertained the 
council at the public house, at his own expense. The occasion 
passed. The work of the ministry was then before me. 

2. I would next give some account of the religious state of 
things in the church and society when my ministry commenced. 

Some errors in the doctrines of my immediate predecessor, and 
his treatment of those who differed from him, were said to be the 
exciting causes of the difficulties which had existed. One of the 
subjects, upon which he strongly and frequently insisted, was, that 
the atonement consisted in the obedience of Christ, and that his suf- 
ferings and death made no part of it, only as they were matters of 
obedience. This was contrary to what was believed to be the 
teaching of the Scriptures on a fundamental point, to the articles 
of faith, and to the preaching of the former ministry. In some 
other minor points he was thought to be incorrect. Instead 
of being conciliating towards those who were dissatisfied, it was 
said that he was overbearing, and made the impression that there 
was a ruling mind in the church and society, and that what he 
wished must be done. For this, all the church and people were not 
prepared. Contentions and divisions ensued. A number of large 
councils were called. The results were his dismission, and a 
division in the church and society. The line of division ran not 
only between families, but between individuals of the same family. 
A law suit followed, that in no measure relieved the alienations and 
contentions which existed. 

The individual referred to, was a man of commanding personal 
appearance, of handsome address, of a loud and well modulated 
voice. Apart from his band and black coat, he might have been 
taken for a general instead of a chaplain in the army, as he actually . 
had been. 

It is well that there be no more remembrance of what then 
passed than is sufficient for an admonition to ministers and people. 
There were other difficulties. To use the expression of another, — 
" Politics then ran mad." The people in this place were deeply 
infected with the political spirit which then prevailed. A minister 



8 

could neither speak nor vote without giving offence in some quarter, 
nor without endangering his influence and usefulness. 

More difficulties still. Arminianism, Universalism, and Deism, 
had each a number of warm advocates among us. 

From these facts you will readily infer the amount of time and 
labor, and the judgment and caution requisite to restore union and 
peace, and to bring things into a settled and well-ordered state. 
The object aimed at was obtained. A course much different from 
•the one pursued would, probably, have weakened and laid waste 
the church and society. It certainly would have prevented that 
collected and prosperous state which has so long been enjoyed. A 
few only among us can now appreciate what was done to save and 
huild up the cause. 

3. Besides those relating to tlie settlement of difficulties^ Iivould 
next advert to other ministerial labors. 

I refer not to the stated services of the Sabbath. The territorial 
extent of the society is large ; inclading more famiUes and individu- 
als than usually belong to a single congregation. 

Of course there were more calls to visit the sick, and to attend 
funerals, than commonly falls to the lot of a pastor. When the 
spotted fever prevailed, I went from house to house regardless of 
the exposure. When I came among this people, a family meeting 
for religious purposes had been kept up more than sixty years. 
Once in two weeks, on Friday afternoon, they met in the different 
houses of the members of the church, and in other houses when 
especially requested. These meetings are still continued. From 
them I have rarely been absent. 

The Quarterly Concert of Prayer was observed by the church 
until the Monthly Concert commenced. I wrote and dehvered ser- 
mons designed to be appropriate on those occasions. At the 
monthly concerts I have usually been present. 

.Private fasts were held by the church on various accounts. 
Among others, that of the declining and low state of religion. 

Catechising the children, from year to year, in each school dis- 
trict, was attended until the commencement of Sabbath Schools. 

Bible Classes were held in different neighborhoods. 

Perhaps no private meetings were more instructive than those in 
which numbers came together statedly to hear pieces read and 



9 

remarked upon, which were written by those who agreed to attend, 
on subjects previously assigned. 

For years, an evening prayer meeting was held in the house of 
the pastor, and, daring a time, a morning prayer meeting was 
attended in the hall of the Academy. 

Some of the benevolent societies among us held their anniversar 
ries. On these occasions a sermon was preached, generally by some 
one whom I procured, when I did not preach myself. 

In times of religious revivals, meetings were multiplied, and 
ministerial labor increased. I have preached many sermons at 
funerals and in houses where were those who were unable to attend 
public worship. 

Until the latter part of the time which we are reviewing, candi- 
dates for admission into the church were examined and propounded 
by the pastor, without the aid or advice of a church committee. 

These statements may be sufScient to indicate something of the 
amount of ministerial labor here performed. 

I have not mentioned the numerous meetings of the church con- 
cerning their secular affairs, and for hearing and acting in relation to 
the reports of Committees on various subjects submitted for consid- 
eration. I have not brought into view my cares and labors, during 
forty-seven years, as a member of the school committee ; nor what 
I have done to get up and to continue in operation the public 
literary institution in this place ; nor the editing, with others, a 
monthly magazine four years ; nor my serving as chaplain of the 
regiment nine years ; nor my instructing and care in the Academy 
a year ; nor instructing a number of students in private, and fitting 
several for college. 

4. The church here, and of it Itvould next speah, was gathered 
April l^th^ 1692, and consisted of ten members. 

It has now existed one hundred and fifty-seven years. Since 
that time, three others have been formed from it ; the church in 
Franklin, in Foxborougli, and in the north parish in this town. 
From its beginning it has been Congregational in its principles and 
practice, and, as a body, unchanging in its beUef of what are 
termed the doctrines of grace. It has held the even tenor of its 
way amidst all there has been to subvert and turn it aside. The 
number belonging to it at the time when I bocamo tlio pastor, I 



10 

havo not ascertained. It now consists of two hundred and sixty- 
two members. Of this number, one hundred and ten have been 
added since the settlement of a colleague, and seventy-one were 
added last year. During my sole ministry, there were four 
revivals of religion ; in 1804-5, in 1815-16, in 1821, and in 
1832. In these seasons the church was greatly increased. The 
greatest number added in one year was fifty-eight. In three other 
years there were added fifty-one, forty-three, and thirty-six. Be- 
sides these, there were more or less ingatherings from year to year. 
Since the recent settlement of a pastor, there has been another 
revival of religion, io which seventy-one were added to the church 
and sixty-three baptisms administered. It is well known that in 
years long since passed, protracted meetings were held in this and 
in other states in great numbers. Concerning their utility, as they 
were sometimes conducted, there was reason to doubt. There 
was too much management ; too much dependence on men and 
measures ; too much that seemed to imply that we have the Holy 
Spirit at command ; too much denunciation, by the leading revival 
preachers, against those ministers and churches v»'ho were not ready 
to fall in with all their views and measures. 

I doubted not that there vrere real conversions, but I could not 
divest myself of the belief that many vrere declared to be converted 
on too slight grounds, and brought into the churches. Although 
some good might have been done, yet I feared the results to the 
churches and to the cause of religion would be as we have since 
seen them to be. 

As many in the church were desirous of such a meeting, and 
said they would leave the whole conducting of it to me, one was 

appointed. The meeting was in January, 1833. It was still, 

orderly, and impressive throughout, paid the results favorable. 
5. To 2^G(SS from the church to the congregation. 
Since the time to w^hich we refer, the people here have been 

generally prosperous in their pursuits and concerns. The good 

hand of God has been upon them. 

About the time of my settlement, the Congregational Society 

was incorporated to hold funds for the support of the ministry. 

Since, no ministerial tax has been made. A bell and clock were 

procured soon after. It was thought that an organ would be 3 



II 



great aid to the singing. One was purchased by the ladies, with 
chip and straw bonnets, of Mr. Pratt, formerly an inhabitant of this 
place. When set up, there was the formality of a dedication. I 
preached on the occasion. The text was, '' Praise Him with 
stringed instruments and organs." The object of the discourse 
was to justify the use of instrumental music in public worship. 

A few years since, that organ gave place to the larger and 
superior one which we now have. It was procured by subscription, 
except the avails of the sale of the other organ. 

Looking at the number of our youth and the condition of our 
schools, I felt it important that an academy should be erected in 
this centre, for the benefit of the rising generation. 

The efforts made to raise funds for the purpose were successful. 
Mr. Benjamin Day, a member of this church, after whom the 
institution was named, was the largest subscriber. An act of 
incorporation was obtained, and afterwards a grant of half a town- 
ship of land in the province of Maine. A building was erected 
and completed, for the reception of students, in 1808. It was 
opened by prayer by the Rev. Doctor Emmons, and by an address 
delivered by Bradford Sumner, Esq., the first preceptor. The 
Honorable Judge AYare was the first President of the Board of 
Trustees. Miss Susan Bulfinch was a Preceptress. 

It was the request of the largest donor that nothing contrary to 
evangelical sentiments should be taught in the building, to the erec- 
tion of which he had contributed. To this his associates agreed. 

Many resorted to it for acquiring learning. In it a large num- 
ber of students have been fitted for higher usefulness in the com- 
mon business of life, and for entrance into the colleo-es. 

The institution flourished until others of the kind were multiplied 
in the neighboring towns. 

To get and to keep it in operation has required much time and 
effort on the part of those to whom its interests were more immedi- 
ately intrusted. The benefits to the young should be deemed a 
sufiicient compensation. 

Among other things done in the place, was the institution of a bank. 
It commenced business Kov. 1st, 1802. Philo Sanford, Esq., was 
the first President, and Calvin Fisher, Jr., Esq., the only Cashier. 



12 



The fourth meeting house, in -which we are now assembled, was 
built in 1834, with as much union as to location and other circum- 
stances as usually obtains in like cases. It was dedicated on the 
24th of September of that year. I preached a sermon on the occa- 
sion from John 4 : 24. 

In mentioning the favor of God to this people, the unanimity 
with which a colleague was settled and continues here, deserves 
special notice. 

It was not so much on account of any physical disability to 
labor which I felt, as on other accounts, that I thought it wisest and 
best that another should be settled before my ministry should cease. 
I feared the consequences if the people should be left destitute, 
and there was work enough which needed to be done to employ 
the services of two. 

My views were cautiously made known to some of my brethren 
in the sacred office, a considerable time before they were disclosed 
to any one else. At length I communicated them to some individu- 
als in the place. 

Some unpleasant things occurred, but measures were taken to 
accomplish the object which I had presented. 

Accordingly the junior pastor was ordained Nov. 1, 1843. Mr. 
Kirk preached the sermon. After more than five year's trial, the 
result justifies the wisdom, both of the experimenrt and of the selec- 
tion of the individual. 

Now there will need to be no interruption in the regular ministry^ 
and no long trials or warm disputes about the choice and settlement 
of another, when my labor and life are done. 

Still keeping an eye on the favor of God to the people in thia 
place, I would say, that amidst so numerous a population, and 
amidst all that there has been to disturb and to divide, the union 
in the church and society, for fifty years, is a blessing not to be 
overlooked or lightly estimated. It is a credit to the people and 
to the place. 

While the judgments of God have been abroad in the earth, they 
have fallen but lightly upon us. Except the spotted fever in 1815, 
when so many died, there has been no prevailing sickness to hurry 
off in a season great numbers to the grave. This, and the Sepu 
tember gale of the same year, were the most memorable calamities 



13 

to which we have been subjected. Only five dwelling-houses, abouk 
the same number of barns, and one factory have been burned. 

There have been some other adverse occurrences. The deaths 
and removals from the place of a number of our leading and 
respectable citizens, have somewhat checked and discouraged a 
spirit of enterprise, but it is not dead. It will revive again. No 
farther reference will be made to untoward events. We h^ve 
reason to thank God and to take courage. 

6. Ill farther speaking of the people in tlm place, I would 
make their liberality a separate artide. 

Nearly all the benevolent societies of the age have come into 
existence since my ministry commenced. Of course there were no 
auxiliary societies of any kind, nor stated contributions, made to 
relieve suffering humanity and to send the word of life to those who 
were perishing for the lax^k of vision. I need not state either the 
names or the number of these benevolent associations, so well are 
they known. 

We have our Foreign, and Domestic, and Bible, and Education, 
trnd Tract, and Anti-Slavery, Sabbath Schooi and Temperance 
■Societies, not to mention several others. To all these the people 
h-ere have contributed, besides occasional contributions to other 
objects. They have had the credit of being among the first in the 
€onnty in the amount given to several of them. 

Credit to whom credit is due. The Ladies have exceeded those 
of the other sex in their contributions. 

Some individuals have been prominent in their deeds of benefi- 
cence. As they are well known in this community, they need not 
be named. Many others, with no less liberal views and feelings, 
if they have not done what they could, have done in proportion to 
their ability. I have not the means of knowing the whole amount 
contributed, but it must be several thousands. I will cite another 
instance ; pious indigent students, designed for the gospel ministry, 
have been assisted in their preparatory studies. Several families 
boarded them, either gratuitously, or at a reduced price. Others 
contributed towards the payment of their tuition in the Academy. 
Such aid was not in vain. 

Those assisted, with one or two exceptions, are now able and uso- 
ful ministers of the gospel. One, the IIjev. Dr. Parker, is no\r 
2 



14 

laboring ^-ith success in the great Missionary field of China. The 
bread cast upon the waters is already found. 

The poor of the church have been cared for. They have annu- 
ally received something for their relief since the year 1816. 

As I do not forget them, I mention parochial visits, once a year, 
at the house of the pastor. These have come into practice within 
a few years, and are an additional way of manifesting the liberal 
feelings of the people, and of doing good. Both the pastors were 
bountifully and respectfully noticed in this way some months past. 
7. I would noiv group together a number of particular s. 
Since I have been a minister in this place, there have been one 
thousand one hundred and fifty deaths ; one hundred and seventy-five 
during the coUeagueship. Three by drowning ; one by being so 
burned as to live but a short time ; one by suicide ; one was lost in 
the Lexington. Twenty-six were over ninety years ; the oldest was 
ninety-eight and a half years. A greater number were over eighty 
years, and a still greater over seventy. 

I have joined in marriage fioe hundred and eighty-three couples. 
Whether it be owing to the superior qualities of our ladies, or to 
the w^ant of taste and judgment in professional men, I would not 
decide to-day, but I have joined in the marriage relation seventeen 
clergymen, eight lawyers, and eight physicians, besides merchants. 
Within the time we are considering, twenty-eight of our young 
men have been educated at college. Seven are in the gospel min- 
istry ; two now in the study of theology ; four of the number are 
physicians ; eight in the profession of law ; seven have gone to- 
other scenes cf existence. Besides these, we have one now in his 
collegiate course. 

I have attended more than a hundred and fifty ecclesiastical 
councils, and preached on many public occasions abroad. 

8. In speaking of improvements in this place , I would refer 
you to a number of things already stated, and glance at some 
others. 

I pass the notice of those made in our houses, in our farms, in 
our roads and carriages, and state that there was but a single 
factory, and that on a small scale, in this or any other part of the 
town, or even in this region, except in Pawtucket, when I came 
into this place. Now there is an enlargement of that, and the 



15 

^^dltion of others. Some of our burial grounds present a far "bet- 
ter aspect, and show a far better public spirit in the people, and 
that those who dwell there are still had in remembrance. 

There have been improvements in our Schools, and in the means 
furnished to the young for acquiring knowledge. Sabbath Schools 
have been instituted. In some of our habits and practices there 
has been a change for the better. 

When I first came to the place, that which intoxicates was freely 
•circulated on funeral occasions. It is not so now. Upon reasoning 
with people in private, they early discontinued the practice. It 
was a longer time before it ceased when calls and visits were made. 
Although much has been done and much accomplished, yet much 
remains to be done, before all the evils of intemperance shall cease 
from among us. 

Can I say that there has been an improvement in moral princi- 
ples, in family instruction and government, in obedience and 
respect to parents and superiors, and in the observance of the 
Sabbath ? I leave it with conscience to answer these questions. 

9« Before saying some things farther in relation to my own 
mimstry^ I would briefly advert to that of my predecessors. 

They were four ; Man, Messinger, Bean, and Avery. The first 
was ordained April 13, 1692, and the last. May 25, 1786. 

The first three had one advantage over their successors. 

In their day, what the Bible was understood to say, and what the 
minister said, were received without gainsaying. Peace and har- 
mony prevailed in the church and congregation. The cause of 
religion strengthened and advanced. The preaching of the fourth 
was evangelical, rather than of a different character. 

The whole time of settled ministry here is one hundred and fifty- 
two years. One hundred and two years were occupied by those 
who were before me. Of course, my own ministry has been nearly 
-one third of the whole time. 

This people have been destitute of a settled minister but eight 
years since the church was organized. 

The longest time was between the removal of the fourth minister 
and the settlement of the present senior pastor ; a period of more 
than five years. Since that time the pulpit has rarely been vacated 
for a single Sabbath. When I have been unable to preach I hn^'o 



16 

procured supplies. Since 1812, 1 can think of no more than one 
or two Sabbaths on which I have been unable to preach. 

Of my own ministry, it becomes me to &pcak with modesty and 
humility. While sole minister my cares and labors were great. 

In the last half af fifty years they were- increased, and exceeded 
those of any former period. More dangj&rs threatened the church 
and the integrity of the society. More subtle undermining 
forces were at work. Exciting subjects and isms were multiphed 
in the community, and we were not beyond their reach and influ- 
ence. They produced a state of things which rendered the duties 
of a minister more diflBcult and arduous. 

In matters of theology, I never could see with the eyes of other 
people.- I have used the aid of others to point out objects to me, 
but I have looked at them with my own eyes, and seen for myself 
■whether things were so. 

I supposed that there w^ere ®ther evidences of truth besides tha-t 
of mere authority. 

That evidence I wished to see. Steadily have I belreved that 
truth must be somewhere, and it would stand, and must be' met by 
myself and all others. Hence, the knowledge of it seemed imr 
portant. Ingenious minds may make theories, as children make 
bubbles, and many of those which have been formed have ini them 
about the same amount of real substance. They may be fine,, 
attractive, but they will bear no weight, and endure no trial. 
They will vanish away. 

It has not beea my practice to try the Bible by any scheme of 
philosophy, or theories which have been devised ; to receive, or 
reject, or explain away its contents, so as to make it conform to 
them, but to try them by the Bible,, so far as they" have anything 
to do with religion. 

I have endeavored to foUaw the direction of the apostle. " Be- 
hove not every spirit, but try the spirits, whether they be of God.'^ 
By what should I try them., but by the Scriptures of truth ? 
Throw them aside, and when yoa die, you plunge into a gulf 
unknown and fearful. 

To be governed by evidence, not feeling, not by a desire to b^ 
singular, or original, if I could be, has been my aim in all my 
inquiries after truth. A more important question has not been 



IT 

asked, since men were upon earth, than the one which Pilate put 
to our Saviour : " What is. truth ?" 

If I believe, I know why, and can give the reason. As it was 
the understanding between me and this people, that I should preach 
the truths and the religion of the Bible, I have endeavored to do 
so, and to select subjects as their spiritual cases seemed to require. 
If any one perish, who has sat under my ministry, it will not be 
because I have not showed him his danger and the way of life. 
As I read some modern theological writings, I pause and ask 
myself. Call this be the faith once delivered to the saints ? 

That system of doctrines, of which the atonement for sin by the 
sufferings and death of Christ is the great central truth, is the 
one of my belief, and which I have uniformly preached: 

I believe it, not merely because it seems to be in the Bible, but 
because I do not know how fairly to get it out of the Bible, and 
because, instead of finding any other way of salvation revealed, I 
find it declared that there is no other. I believe it because it 
meets the exigencies of the case, and I see no other that does. I 
believe it because it is so comprehensive, so wide in its bearings, so 
full of grace, so godlike, and so unlike what men would devise. 

I believe it because of the effects which the preaching of it has 
had on men for eighteen centuries. They are the things the 
apostle would have kept in remembrance. 

In the discharge of my duties, I have endeavored to be governed 
by the same book from which I derived my articles of belief. In 
the absence of specific directions I have found plain common sense 
the safest guide in ministerial and church matters. Habitually 
have I kept in mind the religious interests of the church and soci- 
ety, and labored to promote them in ways which seemed best 
adapted to the purpose. I have guarded, as I could, against the 
intrusion of error, and contrived to lessen its influence and effects 
when introduced. 

It has never been my practice to urge persons into the church. 
I preferred a sound united church, to one composed of different 
views and feelings. To me it has not seemed advisable, nor 
according to Scripture, to admit persons into the church that they 
might become pious, but to receive only those who give evidence 



18 

of piety. A church should be composed, not of those who may 
become Christians, but of those who are so. 

Instead of dweUing on some favorite subject, and impressing the 
minds of the hearers with the idea that it was almost the only truth 
or duty which need to be regarded, I have taken a wider view of 
the matter, and have considered rather what the spiritual interests 
of men and the good of the great cause of Christ required. If I 
am behind the age, it is not because I have been inattentive to what 
the age is doing. 

10. You expect to hear of the changes luhich have taken plac$ 
among us, since the time to which we refer. 

Our hills and plains remain. The same sun and moon continue 
to shine down upon us. The evening skies are nearly the same. 
But how much else remains unchanged ? 

The last member of the ecclesiastical council, convened at mj 
ordination, has recently gone to his final rest. Few only of those 
who composed the numerous assembly on that occasion are among 
the living. Most of the famiUes are broken up, and the members 
either dead or dispersed abroad. 

Only three heads of famiUes, then in a married state, remain so; 
and but ten others are living among us. Instead of the fatliers are 
the children and their children's children. 

If I look into the church, the venerable deacons, who then w^ere, 
are gone, and but one member of the church, when I was first 
connected with it, is left, and she is a widow. Through the good- 
ness of God, she meets with us to-day. She is the solitary remnant 
of the church that existed fifty years since.* 

A great number of those since united have followed them to 
their home in the dust, and to the vast scenes of the eternal state. 
Many others of them have removed their relation from us to the 
churches where they are located. 

To look beyond our own limits. Every member of the Associa- 
tion of Ministers, living when I joined that body, has finished his 
work and gone to his reward. The Rev. Mr. Wood was the last. 
And even others, who entered into their labors, have been removed, 
either by death, or to other fields of labor. 

No minister then settled in the County is living, and but eight 

* This statement must be slightly modified. See Appendix, p. 27, 



19 

In the State, who have been settled over the same people during that 
time, and but fifteen in New England. Of the eigU, I am one. 
You will see, then, why this day is so noticeable to me, and why it 
ought to be to the church and people in this place. This day 
ihould he a memorial. The longest time any of the fifteen has 
been settled is sixty-eight years. He is now ninety-five. This is 
as long a ministry among the same people as I find on record. 

If we look into the civil and political classes of men in our coun- 
try, we shall find the same wastes of time and death. 

Washington was then living. John Q. Adams is now dead, and 
nearly every distinguished man of the Revolution, and, I believe, 
all those who formed our National Constitution. 

How many in the state and in the nation have been set up and 
pulled down, during the last half century. They have fulfilled the 
designs of Providence and passed away to other scenes. Their 
names and the remembrance of their deeds remain ; but the places 
^hich once knew them, know them no more. Not only the/asAio??, 
but the men of this world pass away and give place to others. 

" Of the fifty present reigning rulers of the large and small 
states of Europe, only one, if one, was in power at the time " when 
I was here put in trust of the gospel ministry. Kings as well as 
mean men must die. 

11. That period of years over which we are casting our eyes, 
has been one of great events ; perhaps greater and more numerous 
than can be found in any other of equal length. 

I refer not to wars, and the desolations made by them, but to 
more auspicious events. The spirit of liberty, and the knowledge 
of human rights, have greatly increased among men. Thrones are 
shaking, which were firm within a shorter period than the one we 
are contemplating. Huge systems of idolatry, and of other false 
religions among the eastern nations, show symptoms of approaching 
dissolution. Mighty energies are at work, and will complete their 
overthrow. The prospects of the ignorant and oppressed are bright- 
ening over the earth. These are not events of ancient date. How 
changed the prospects of him who claims to sit in Saint Peter's 
chair, and to be infallible — who once had a king, or an emperor, to 
hold his stirrups while he mounted the steed upon which he rode I 
How different this condition from the one in which he lately was, 



20 

when fleeing from the Vatican in the livery of a servant, ^yithin 
the time of which we are speaking, a degree of wakefulness has 
appeared in the church, and she has begun to look with concern 
over the wants and woes of the world, and to put into operation 
plans for the relief of human degredation and suffering, and for the 
spread of the Gospel over the earth. Nearly all bible, missionary, 
tract, education, peace, anti-slavery, temperance, seaman's friend, 
and other philanthropic societies, have risen up in Christendom to 
meet the exigencies of the world. In our own land light has in- 
creased. The means of education have abundantly multiplied. 
Advancement in the arts is without a parallel in any other equal 
period of time. It is believed to be greater than in the sciences. It 
has been an age of the application of principles to practical purposes. 

What facilities are there for travelling, and still more rapid for 
communication now, than were known a few years since. 

Perhaps, your patience would not endure a further detail even of 
improvements. I forbear, and leave it with you to decide whether 
additional territory should be mentioned as an improvement, or only 
as an enlargement. 

12. We have looked at the past, and seen in a very limited de- 
gree, how God has governed, and what men have done. Let us 
now glance at the future. 

It will be full of great interest, and of great events. The world 
will be onward and not retrograde in its movements. Learn from 
the Scriptures what the condition of the world is to be, and see 
what it now is, and you will be convinced that there will be yet 
great changes and overturns in the earth. How many unfulfilled 
predictions remain to be fulfilled ? Heaven and earth will pass 
away sooner than one of them fail of fulfilment. What great 
events must take place before the knowledge of the Lord shall cover 
the earth, as the waters do the seas ; and before there shall be^ 
nothing to hurt, or destroy in all the earth ; when the Lord's name 
shall be, one from the rising of the sun to the going down of the 
same ? Truth and hberty, and the rights of man, and holiness, will 
bave a general prevalence amongst men. 

Now, the adversaries are many, the obstacles great. The truth 
and spirit of God will subdue and convert multitudes. Still there 
will be those who oppose themselves. There will be a battle. The 



21 

slain of the Lord, we are expressly told, will be many. Who can 
look over the last fifty years, and see what preparations have been 
making for doing away the evils under which the world has groan- 
ed, being burthened ; who can look at the late sudden changes and 
upheavings among the nations, and witness the spirit by which they 
are actuated, and not be convinced that mighty changes are not far 
off in time ? 

If great commotions precede great events, is it not evident that 
such events are at hand ? 

I am no prophet ; but I have read the writings of the prophets 
and apostles, and observed the movements of Providence. Were 
I to live another fifty years, I should expect to see greater tilings 
than I have seen. There may be some sitting, if not standing, here 
who will see them. The world will be in a greatly changed con- 
dition, and for the better, in 1899 from what it was in June, 1799. 

The intervening years will be full of trial and of conflict. Let 
fathers and mothers think of this, in the education of their children. 
Let the young think of it. 

The great future is before us all. It is easy to look back, and to 
relate what we have seen and heard ; but \\ho can look onward 
into the cominsr a^res of his bein^, and tell what he shall witness and 
feel? 

13. Ill revieiu I feel that I have great reason for gratitude to 
God^ for wy long continuance here^ and for his other great and 
distinguishing favors. — Beyond my own expectation, and that of 
others, I was recovered from a wasting and threatening disease in 
the early part of my ministry. God has granted me many subse- 
quent years of unusual health and vigor, even to the present time. 
It is a satisfaction to feel that I have not labored wholly in vain. 
Trials I have had, but I have been sustained under them. xVs my 
day, so has my strength been. . You may think that a preacher of 
fifty years ought to have done more good. The truth of this will 
not be questioned. But all the good may not have been seen, or 
justly estimated. 

And what shall he think of those who have heard fifty years, or 
a considerable part of that time, and have not come to repentance, 
and have themselves done no more good, and become no better ? 
Must he not think that the word preached did not profit, not being 



22 

mixed with faith in them that heard it ? If you would judge truly, 
think of those with whom he has had to do. 

The general treatment which I have received from this people 
has heen all that I could reasonably expect. They have been re- 
spectful, generous and kind. If any have been otherwise minded, 
they are forgiven. 

The best return I could make, I have endeavored to make. I 
have been with them in many trying scenes, and have felt with 
them, and aimed to instruct and comfort and benefit them. 

It would require much now to separate my feelings and regards 
from them. I know no other church and people, and no other home. 

It is a credit to them that I have been retained so long as their 
pastor and minister ; especially in such days of change and love of 
novelty, when a minister is thought to be getting old, and must give 
place to another about the time of life when the Levitical priests 
■were allowed even to enter upon their office. What do I owe to 
Him who has made me to differ ? 

14. This church and peojjie should feel their obligation to Cfod. 

To have the stated and uninterrupted ministry of the -Gospel fifty 
years is not a common blessing. How many ministers have some 
churches and societies had to settle since that time. One within 
our knowledge has its seventh minister. Others have settled their 
two and three and four. No ecclesiastical council has been called 
to hear and advise concerning difficulties. 

While other places have been much like the mountains of Gilboa, 
on which there is no dew, repeated sho^Yers of grace have descend- 
ed upon us. Much people here have been added to the Lord. 

The congregation of worshippers has been large. Though the 
society has increased, yet error probably has gained nothing in re- 
spect to numbers, except those who have come in from other places. 
Evangelical doctrines have here been maintained, while errors of 
various kinds have invaded other places, and unhappily affected the 
religious state of things. I repeat not again your secular prosper- 
ity, nor 3'our exemption from many judgments. which have been sent 
upon others. I would only remind you of your present prospect of 
remaining vdthout disunion, and in the faith once delivered to the 
saints. So may it he. I trust it will be. Should not your lan- 
guage be to-day : What shall we render to the Lord for all his bene- 



23 

fits ? and your resolution, that we will keep these things in remem- 
brance, and hold fast those doctrines of truth and grace, after he 
has gone, who preached them unto us. 

15. We can hardly fail to reflect to-day on the moral discipline 
tve have been under, for the series of years just passed. 

The changes, the events in Providence, have been great, and 
full of instruction and warning. The judgments of the Most High 
have been abroad in the earth, and some of them have been very 
terrible. Who can review them, and not feel that he has been 
under a moral training, fitted to teach him that there are designs 
and counsels above those of men, and to make him stand in awe, 
and sin not ? — to impress him with a sense of the uncertainty and 
vanity of all earthly good, and that this is not his rest? How 
fitted is what we have seen and known, to teach us the great truth 
that verily there is a God who judges in the earth, and whose favor 
must be life ? How much have we witnessed that should wean us 
from earth, and dispose us to set our aiFections on things above ? 

If this were the hour when I were to bid farewell to the work 
of the ministry and to the v>'orld, I would say to my brethren , 
other classes of men occupy stations and perform deeds more splen- 
did than yours, and more sought and admired by the world ; but 
none sustain so high a commission ; none are engaged in so hallowed 
a calling ; none on whom heaven looks with such intense interest ; 
none whose labors will be followed with consequences so important. 
Let not the greatness and difficulty of your work, and the oppo- 
sition you have to encounter, discourage you. The strongest and 
best part of the beings in the universe are on your side. The truth 
which you are directed to declare is mighty ; and if there be no 
power on earth to convert men, there is in heaven, and it is promised. 

Take care of the churches, for they are observed by all the ene- 
mies of the kingdom : their spirit and conduct greatly affect the 
interests of religion, and the cause you are laboring to promote. 
Next to yourselves, those who are under the dominion of darkness 
and sin will the most earnestly endeavor to corrupt, subvert and 
destroy them. 

Take care of the Bible, and see that its sacred contents be not 
theorized away, and their hold weakened on the consciences and 
hearts of men. You are not called to resist unto blood, as others 



24 

have been, but you are called to labor -when the enemy is changing 
his measures, and frequently altering his mode of attack. Be 
watchful, then. Take care of your minds and hearts, and of those 
to whom you are called to minister. Stand in your lot ; fulfil the 
duties of your station. Be earnest and diligent. Work Tvhile you 
may. Your fifty years, like mine, Tvill soon pass. Your rest and 
your reward are at hand. 

To the cJmrclies I would say, consider the great design for which 
you are embodied. It is not merely to come together at the table 
of the Lord. You are in dans'er of restincf in the mere forms of 
religion ; of throwing aside all forms ; of being satisfied with a 
mere spiritual religion ; one of decent exterior ; one in which you 
will scarcely differ from those who make no profession. You are 
in danger of becoming lax in faith, and in order and discipline. 
Remember the seven churches of Asia, and hear what the Spirit 
said unto them. 

To the unbelieving^ to the infidel, I wonld say, the evidences of 
Christianity are becoming more numerous and strong, as years come 
and pass away. It has been so the last half century. The objec- 
tions raised by learned and powerful minds are refuted. If greater 
ones cannot be found, the cause of infidelity is gone. You see the 
power and effects of the Gospel, and Low it extends from year to 
year, after all that is devised and said and written against it, and all 
the light of the age. What will stop its course and put it down ? 
Is it not time to pause, and consider ? 

To the young, I would say, you belong to a generation, like that 
to which I belong, and which will soon pass away. You are coming 
on to the stage, to take the management of the affairs of the church, 
and of the world. Be not self confident. Seek that wisdom which 
is from above, and profitable to direct. Shun the paths of vice, 
and of the destroyer. In all your ways acknowledge God, and ha 
will direct your paths. You are now in the outset of your being- 
Fail not to keep in mind, that on this part of it depends a future 
and eternal destiny. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wis- 
dom. I have done. I go the w^ay, the way whence I shall not re- 
turn. I depart in hope ; and leave, with entire confidence, th« 
church here, and the interests of Zion, in the hands of Him who ii 
head over all to the church, and who is exalted to be a Prince and 
a Saviour. 



ATPEN DIX. 



For some time previous to the 12th of June, 1849, the attentionof 
numerous individuals of this church and religious society had been di- 
rected to that occasion, as being one of surpassing interest to ourselves ; 
and the unanimous desire had been expressed that it should be noticed 
with suitable services. After consuUalion had with Rev. Mr. Fisk in 
regard to it, and the obtainment of his consent that a Jubilee should be 
celebrated, and a Sermon preached by himself, provided the whole could 
be done with the cordial approbation and co-operation of the people, 
an informal meeting was called by the Junior IPastor to make all nec- 
essary arrangements. The meeting was fully attended, and but one 
feeling pervaded it. It was this : We cannot be denied the privilege of 
celebrating the approaching Semi-Centennial Anniversary, with services 
appropriate to the day we honor, and the man we venerate. 

It was determined to invite numerously, clergymen, civilians, and 
friends from abroad ; and to provide adequate entertainment for som« 
hundreds of guests. 

The following gentlemen were chosen to act as a Committee of Ar- 
rangements. 

SAMUEL WARNER, Jr., Chairman. 
Nathan Barrett, David Fisher, 

Edwin E. Blake, Bknjamin Hawes, 

Thomas S. Cobb, William S. Ide, 

Daniel A. Cook, Edwin Ide, 

Meletiah Everett, Horace James, 

Daniel I. Felt, Preston Pond, 

Silas P. Fisher, Handel Pond, 

Calvin Fisher, Jr., Benjamin N. Shepard, 

Hiram B. Fisher, Curtis Stone, 

A still larger Committee of Ladies was chosen, in aid of the Gentlemen. 
Thomas S. Cobb was chosen Secretary. 
Daniel I. Felt was chosen Treasurer. 
Horace James was chosen Committee of Correspondence. 
Curtis Stone was chosen to attend to the preparation and furnish- 
ing of the Tables. 

Francis Plympton was chosen to prepare and distribute Tickets to 
the entertainment. 

Samuel Warner, Jr., Esq., was chosen President of the Day. 
Calvin Fisher, Jr., was chosen Chief Marshall. 
Under the supervision of the several gentlemen above named, assist- 
3 



26 

ed by many others of both sexes, who cheerfully and enthusiastically 
lent a helping hand, the arrangements were all successfully completed. 
And it is due to each of them to say that they discharged their duties 
with distinguished fidelity and promptness. 

The day of Jubilee arrived. The weather was delightful. The 
church was filled to its utmost capacity. A multitude of the Sods of 
Wrentham, and many connected with them by raarriage, "or other 
agreeable associations," were gathered in their childhood's home to do 
honor to him who, from theii earliest recollection, had ministered at 
Ike altar of God. 



OKDER OF EXERCISES 

AT THB 
or THB BETTLEMEJiT Ot 

EEV. ELISHA FISK, 

WRENTHASI, JUNE 12, 1S49, 
Cofnmencing at 10 o'clocl; A. M, in the Meeting Souae. 



VOLUNTAEY ON THE OEGAN, 

BT PKOFESSOR HANDEL PO>'D. 

INVOCATION, 

BT BEV. ELAM SMALLEY, D. D. 

SINGING, 

THE OLD EASTER ANTHE'ir, 

'• The Lord is risen indeed. Hallelujah." 
BEADING OF THE SCRIPTUKES, 

BY KEY. CALVE!! DURFEK. 

SINGING, 

152d SELECT HYMK. [TUNE, GANGES.] 

Now for a hjnnn of praise to' God ! 
Ye trophies of a Saviour's blood, 

Join the sweet choir above ; 
All your harmonious accents bring, 
Wake every high celestial string, 

To chant redeeming love. 



27 



Ere God pronounced creation ^ood, 
Or bade the vast unbounded flood 

Through fixed channels run ; 
Ere light tVom ancient chaos sprung, 
Or angels Earth's formation suug, 

He chose us iu his Son. 

Then was the covenant ordered sure, 
Through endless ages to endure, 

By Israel's triune God ; 
That none his covenant mi'i:ht evade, 
With oaths and promises 'twas made, 

And ratify"d in blood. 

God is the refuge of mv soul, 

Though tempests rage, though billows roll, 

And hellish powers assail; 
Eternal walls are my defence, 
Environed with Omnipotence, 

What foe can e'er prevail ? 

Then let infemal legions roar, 

And waste their cursed vengeful power, 

My soul their wrath disdains ; 
In God my refuge I'm secure, 
While covenant promises endure, 

Or my Redeemer reigns. 

PRAYER, 

BT EEr. TIMOTHY MATHER COOLET. 

SINGING, 

ORIGINAL HYMX, BY MRS. J. M. POND. 

God of our fathers, deign to hear, 
The notes which we their children raise. 

Who now with filial awe draw near, 
To sing thy love in words of praise. 

Our faithful Shepherd thou hast spared. 
For half a century to his flock; 

Here he hath labored, wept and prayed, 
Nor fainted in his weary work. 

As watchman, he with wakeful eye, 
Mark'd every foe to Zion's weal ; 

Grieved when lie heard the mourner's sigh. 
And pitied where he could not heal. 

His church hath changed — the first is gone ; 

Friend followed friend, till all that band 
Sleep in the dust; but one alone * 

Still journeys toward the promised land. 



* Mrs. Ruth Gkbould, the mother of the authore'?'?, who joined this church in the 
year 1791. A more careful px imin:ition of the Reconi^ has revealed the fact that ther« 
were two members of the church then liviii:;. The other beina: Mrs. Esther Alkx- 
AXDER, v;ho joined iu September, 17S0, and died February 2, lb60. 



28 



Yet often, in this favored place, 

Our hearts have felt tlie Spirit's power; 

While from the storehouse of his grace, 
Hath fallen many a genial shower. 

O Lord, preserve thy servant still; 

Strength from on high to him be given; 
His soul with light and comfort fill, 

While ripening for the bliss of heaven. 

SERMON, 

BY EEV. ELISHA FISK. 

PRAYER, 

BY EEV. EKASTU3 MALTBT. 



122d PSALM, P. M. [TUNE, LENOX.] 

[This Psalm, in singing which the whole Contrregation were invited to join, was the 
sung at the op.dination of Mr. f isk in the year 1799.] 

Upward I lift mine eyes ; 

From God is all my aid ; 
The God who built the skies, 
And earth and nature made. 
God is the tower 
To which I fly ; 
His grace is nigh, 
In every hour. 

My feet shall never slide, 
And fall in fatal snares ; 
Since God, my guai-d and guide, 
Defends me from my fears. 
Those wakeful eyes, 
That never sleep, 
Shall Israel keep, 
When dangers rise. 

No burning heats by day. 

Nor blasts of evening air, 
Shall take my health away. 
If God be with me there. 
Thou art my sun, 
And thou my shade, 
To guard ray head 
By night or noon. 

Hast thou not given thy word 

To save my soul from death ? 
And I can trust my Lord, 
To keep my mortal breath. 
I'll go and come, 
Nor fear to die, 
Till, from on high. 
Thou call me home. 

BENEDICTION, 

BY KEY. ERASTUS KALTBY. 



29 

On the conclusion of the services in the church a procession was 
formed, and the company marched around the common to the vestry, 
where was spread out, on tweniy-ihree large tables, an abundant and 
excellent 

COLLATION. 

The Ladies, with their usual good taste and ingenuity, had handsomely 
decorated the hall with evergreens and flowers. Behind the Presi- 
dent's chair, enclosed in a wi-eath of green, were the figures " 1799." 
And on the wall in front, in the same style, 

"Jubilee, June 12, 1849." 

The Tables were laid with excellent taste, and crowned with a profu- 
sion of good things. The Ladies were in readiness to attend upon the 
guests, and all concurred in the opinion that they were brighter and 
more beautiful, as they were certainly more admired, than all the splen- 
did boquets they had arranged. It is not often that the young ladies 
of Wrentham are surpassed in taste and skill in decorations of this kind. 

Samuel Warxer, Jr., Esq., presided at the tables, and by his ready 
and spirited address, added much to the enjoyment of the day. 

Rev. Elisha Fisk, the Rev. Drs. Cooley, Ide and Poor, and 
Rev. Mr. James were seated on either hand of the President of the Day. 
On the table before them was a large cranberry tart, made by Mrs. 
Laura Hawes, and Mrs. Esther Cobb, on the face of which was the 
following inscription, in raised letters of pastry; — 

" With us half a century, yet beloved." 
"They who trust in the Lord shall not want 

ANY GOOD thing." 

There was also a pudding there, made by Miss Abby Brastow, and 
baked in a dish used for the same purpose at the ordination of Mr. 
Fisk, fifty years ago. 

After the company had taken their places at the tables, to the num- 
ber of four or five hundred, a blessing was implored by Rev. Dr. Ide, 
and all partook of the Collation. The clatter of knives and forks was 
at its height, and the cheerful hum of animated conversation, in a 
hundred little groups of friend-hip, filled the hall, when the President 
of the Day arrested the attention of the audience, andreraarked that he 
was very unwilling to break in so soon upon the occupation in which 
the company seemed so pleasantly employed ; but he was reminded that 
in a little more than half an hour the coaches for the cars must leave 
the door ; and it was a matter of great interest to us to hear a few 
words from our city friends and others who must take passage in them. 
He v;ould therefore refrain from making any introductory remarks, 
which might be expected from him were there time, in view of the hon- 
orable sitnaiion which it was his privilege to occupy. H<^ chose rather 
to open the way for some Speeches and Remarks from our distinguished 
guests, by offring the foUowinir sentiment: 

Our Venc.rahle Pastor. While we bless heaven for so Ioug: sn^tnin- 
ing him in the ministry amon:: us, we do njt forget that this Jubilee 
does not release us from our obii'jrations. 



so 

The Senior Pastor of the church and pocietj, having already occu- 
pied nearly two hours in delivering his Discourse, playfully remarked 
that although he was not weary, it was now time for others to speak. 
And accordingly the Junior Pastor made a brief response on his behalf 
to this complimentary toast. He announced himself happy in being 
permitted to do whatever he could, publicly or in private, to promote 
the good feeling of this occasion, and a proper observance of the day. 
This was an anniversary in which he took enthusiastic delight. He 
felt it an honor — a great honor — to minister to a people who had re- 
tained and loved a pastor for fifty years. He believed that their 
affection was not divided now; but that the people had hearts large 
enough to embrace both the pastors — the Patriarch and the youth — 
and love them both with a true and unceasing affection. He concluded 
by offering this sentiment : 

The Glergymen of our 3fetropoJis. Eminent for learning, piety and 
eloquence ; a little of the latter article would be acceptable on the pres- 
ent occasion. 

Rev. E. N. Kirk, of Mount Yernon Church, Boston, responded to 
the call, and remarked that he came here under a wrong impression ; 
supposing, from too casual a reading of his invitation, that this was a 
town celebration,* in reference to the first settlement of the white man 
on this spot. To that point his thoughts had been directed ever since 
the splendid celebration in Berkshire. He was, however, none the less 
happy to mingle in the services of this occasion. AVe need in this 
country to undo some of the incidental consequences of our Revolution. 
The mother was so unkind and unjust toward her thriving child, as to 
make a separation necessary. But in making such a separation, it was 
impossible to avoid breaking some ties which are not only compatible 
with our independent position, but even essential to our progress. 
America, in assuming the attitude of hostility to Great Britain, broke 
herself for the time, too entirely from the past, and exaggerated the 
sentiment of personal independence. We need not reverence an opin- 
ion because it was held by a thousand men, a thousand years ago. But, 
society can no more dispense with the experience of past ages, than the 
man can dispense with tne experience of childhood. We are a people 



* The town of Wrentham was first settled in 1661. Mr. Samuel Shears was the first 
white inhabitant. His daughter Mehiiable was the first person born Jiere. The town 
being originally included within the limits of Pedtiam, was separately incorporated 
Oct. 15, 1673, consisting at the time of sixteen families. As p.arly as 1670, the Rev. 
Samuel Mann, a gi-aduate of Harvard in 1565, became their minister. He labored with 
them forty-nine years until his death, IMay 22, 1719. For some reason, it does not clearly 
appear what, no church was organized until April 13, 1692, twenty-two years after the 
commencement of ^Mr. Minn's ministry, and ten years after the erection of the first 
house of worship. Rev. Henry Messhifjer, who was graduated at Harvard in 1717, was 
pastor of the church from Dec. 5, 1719', till March 30, 1750, the date of his death. He 
was succeeded Dec. 5, 1750 by Rev. Joseph Bean, also a graduate of Harvard University 
in 1748, who died Dec. 12, 1784. Rev. D ivld Avery, a graduate of Yale College in 
1769, was settled May 25, 1786, and dismissed April 21, 1794. leaving the church in a 
divided state, which prevented the settlement of another pastor till .Tu-ie 12, 1799, when 
Rev. EUsha Fish, the present senior pastor, a graduate of Brown University, 1795, was 
ordained. Rev. Horace James, graduated at Yale College, 1840, was ordained a pastor 
of tho church Kov. 1, 1843. 



31 

living little in the present, less in the past. Our strong tendencies to- 
ward " bettering our condition" give spring, energy and shrewdness. If 
it went far enough, and aimed sufficiently higli, it would make us truly 
a great and a christian people. But even then we should need to recall 
continually the men and the scenes of former days, to complete the 
circle of our knowledge, and to perfect our own characters. In this 
view Paul drew out the biographical sketches in the eleventh chapter of 
the epistle to the Hebrews. 

In this view, there is a peculiar value to be attached to celebrations 
like that which has brought us together. England has its festivals and 
its holidays ; the Roman church has many also that strongly elicit the 
social and the patriotic feelings. Oar fathers saw so full evidence of 
the tendency of such days, being fixed and obligatory, to promote super- 
stition and priestly power, that they abolished them entirely. But it 
is fully in accordance with the genius of our institutions, that there be 
voluntary appointments by the people of such local or national celebra- 
tions as may tend to perpetuate the memory of our fathers; the recol- 
lection of the principles which lay at the foundation of all their civil 
and religious legislation ; the story of their sacrifices and struggles. The 
beneficial efiects, may be many. It is always good to remember what 
God has done. The memory of good men is a gallery of portraits, 
hung round wdth faces that seem to invite and animate us to every good 
purpose, and to full faith in God. The reviving of foundation princi- 
ples, in the hearing of each succeeding generation, is good. We need, 
too, in this land, a veneration for old age. " And I confess," said he, 
"I rejoice that the occasion which has convened us, is the celebration 
of a minister's settlement in the pastoral office fifty years ago. I am 
happy to add my tribute of respect to grey hairs, crowning him who 
has so long served the Lord and his people. We shall never be truly 
a great people unless our veneration for age, and our domestic affections 
are strongly developed; and the love of home is tenderly cherished. 

But, Sir, the time is short, and I must give way to others. As I had 
mistaken somewMiat the nature of this occasion, I am happy to see my 
brother Adams here, who is fully competent to correct all mistakes, and 
make amends for my deficiencies. 

Rey. N. Adajis, D. D., of Essex Street Church, Boston, arose and 
said : 

*'J/r. Chairman. It is sufiiciently trying, to speak after such an 
orator, but to correct his mistakes, is an additional calamity. I will add 
my expression of deep interest with the occasion, adopting all which my 
brother has now said. As I look upon this crowded room, and feel the 
beating of the one heart which, moves this large concourse of people, and 
think that all this deep emotion and interest are directed towards that 
one beloved man, the aged, faithful minister of half a century, I feel a 
new impulse in the ministerial work ; I am assured, that steadfiistness 
and fidelity will meet with a reward in the consciences and hearts of 
men ; I shall labor with fresh zeal and alacrity, at the thought of this 
delightful occasion, and of the encouragement which it speaks to those 
ministers who love and serve their flocks. This day is one of tha 



82 

pleasantest of my life. To plunge into such a tide of feelinji, is next to 
bathing one's weary soul in seas of heavenly rest. It is most truly 
refreshing. 

But not having yet passed the meridian of such a ministerial age. as the 
Senior Pastor has now attained, I confess that my thoughts have turned 
with deep interest, towards the Junior i-*astor ; and as an expression of 
our common interest in him, I beg leave to offer the following sentiment : 

May the mantle of Elisha, be like that of Elijah, and rest upon his 
successor. 

The President of ^hp Day then gave as a sentiment: 

Our Common Schools. 

The eyes of the assembly were turned at once toward Rev. B. Sears, 
D. D., of Newton, the accomplished Secretary of the Board of Education 
in this State, who briefly responded, nearly in the following terms : 

It is no doubt owing to the official position which I chance to occupy, 
that I am called up on this occasion, — a position which the interests of 
education and the labors of my predecessor in office have rendered 
important. It is highly gratifying to me to be invited to participate 
in the festivities of this day, to honor the venerable pastor who has 
maintained his position with so much credit to himself, and so much 
benefit to oihers for the period of half a century ; and this pleasure is 
increased, by seeing at the side of our honored guest, my venerated 
teacher, whose jubilee was not long since celebrated.* In the discourse 
to which we have just listened, we learned, what was already well 
knowm to most of us, that the church and the school divided the cares 
and labors of the pastor ; and we know the same to be true of our 
friend from Granville. Nor are these peculiar cases. In Massachusetts, 
the church and the school have ever been united by a common interest; 
and never may the day come, when they shall be estranged from each 
other. It would be difficult to say which of the two is the greatest 
gainer by the union. I have thus indicated the topic on which I had 
intended to speak. But I perceive that only ten minutes remain for 
nearly as many speakers. Justice to them and to you, requires me to 
waive all farther remark ; and I close by offering this sentiment : 

The Family, the School, and the Church. May they ever remain, as 
they have hitherto been, a sacred sisterhood, bound together, not by 
force of statute, but by natural affinity. 

Rev. Mr. James then offered the following: 

Rey. Dr. Coolet, of Granville. Honored in having trained for 
usefuhiess. such men as the last speaker. Honored in being the only 
man present, who has celebrated his jubilee. Trebly honored in stand- 
ing nearly first among the clergymen of Massachusetts, in respect to 
longevity in the pastorate, t 

*Eev. T. M. CooIetj,.I).D., of feanville, whose jubilee occurred Feb. 3. 1845. 

t A note received from Dr. Fierce, bearing date June 8, 1849, stated tb^at there were 
living at that time, ei'jht members of tiie ]\Ias5achu:?etts Convention of Ministers who 
had survived a ministry of fifty years among their people. 

1. The Rev. Dinkl Dnnn, D. D., born in Ipswich, 24th July, 1771, a graduate of 
D. C. in 1768, had his Jubilee in Kewbuiypcrt, Nov. 19, 1844. 



33 

Dr. Coolet responded in verybrief terms, expressing his unmingled 
gratification at being able to be present, and participate in the services. 
He alluded gratefully to the goodness of God to himself and others 
who had been long in the work of the ministry ; and closed by wishing 
continued prosperity and happiness, both temporal and spiritual, to this 
people and to tiieir pastors. 

Mr. James next proposed the following toast : 

The Originator and first Editor of the Christian Ohservatory. 
Standing on his " watchtower," we have often heard him make answer 
to the question, "What of the night?" "We beg leave to ask him; 
"Watchman ! what o^ this dayV 

This brought to his feet, the Rev. A. W. M'Clure, who arose 
smiling in a remote corner of the hall, and commenced by acknowledging 
that for once he was fairly cornered. He said that this was an occasion 
of remarkable interest to the great concourse of ministers and others 
from abroad, as well as to this ancient and flourishing congregation. 
It was emphatically " a good time," exciting the best sensibilities of the 
pious mind» He was glad to be here, and see under these favorable 
circumstances, the man to whose cautious, laborious, and affectionate 
ministry, this favored people is indebted, under God, for half a century 
of peace and social prosperity, for many powerful revivals of religion, 
and for its present harmony and pleasing prospects. I was reminded, 
(said Mr. M'C.) while listening to his modest statements, of a "good 
saying" of the celebrated Hannah AdSms, the distinguished authoress, 
who was the first of the lifeless tenants of the cemetery at Mount Auburn. 
She was for having an addition made to the renowned Xew England 
Primer, where it is asked, " Who was the meekest man ? Who was the 
most patient man ? Who was the strongest man ? Who was the wisest 
man 'i " and the like. Her amendment was : " Who is the most 
prudent man ? Parson Fisk of Wrentham ! " 

I was also greatly interested, Sir, in listening to his animated sketch 
of the violent excitements of the almost forgotten " Averyan war." as it 
was called, all of whose active combatants have departed from the field of 
life. I could not but reflect upon the transitory nature of the strongest 
exercises of human passions. How little can we conceive of the worlds 

2. Rev. Timothy M. 0)oIey, D. D. Born in Granville, "March 13. 1772, a graduate of 
Y. C, in 1792, had his Jubilee on the 27th and 28th of Aug. 1S45, not the date of his 
ordination, which was Feb. 3d, 1796 ; but the date of his first sermons as candidal© 
there. 

3. Rev. John FhTce, D. D. Born in Warwick, Oct. 26, 1770, a graduate of D. C. in 
1791, had his Jubilee, Oct. 26, 1846. 

4. Rev. John Pierce. D. D. Born in Dorchester, Julv 14, 1773, a graduate of H. U. in 
1793, had his Jubilee March 15, 1847. 

5. Rev. hnac Bramnn. Born in Norton, July 5, 1770, a graduate of H. U. in 1794, 
had his Jubilee, June 17, 1847. 

6. Rev. Thomns Snell, D. D. Bom in Cummington, Nov. 21, 1774, a graduate of D.C. 
in 1795, had hi* Jnbi'ee, June 27, 1848. 

7. Rev. Olk-er Cobb. D. D., of Rochester, B. U., 1796, Jubilee occurred Feb, 5, 1849, 

8. Rev. Theophilas Packard. D. D Born in Bridgewater, March 4th, 1769, a graduate 
of D. C. in 1796, had his Jubibe Feb. 20th, 1649. 

Of the above, the fourth and seventh are now deceased, and Rev. EUshn F/.<i- is to bo 
added to the list of surviving Jubilants ; and still more recently, Rev. Mr. KtndaU^ of 
Plymouth. 



84 

on worlds of heart-rending sorrow and distractinir strife, which have 
passed away into the land of forget fulness and silence. " Al-o their 
love, and their hatred, and their envy, is now perished; neither have 
they any more a portion forever in anything that is done under the 
sun."* 

I believe, Sir, there are now living in Massacliusetts, eigld Congrega- 
tional pa-tors wiio have preached their fiftieth anniversary sermon. 
This number will not seem small, when it is considered that of the four 
hundred and fifty Orthodox churches existing in the Commonwealth, 
full one hulf have been organized within twenty-Jive years. This remark- 
able fact is not duly taken into account, when estimating the average 
length of the pastorates of our ministers. 

But, Sir, lest I should deprive you of the pleasure of hearing others, 
who are better able than myself to entertain you, I will even hold my 
peace. 

The time being now very nearly expended before we must part with 
a number of our guests, Mr. James hurriedly gave the following: 

FATHRfi Holmes, of New Bedford! The cars will start in 
five minutes ! S'.iall we hear his alarm whistle before they go? 

Mr. Holmes fixed his keen eye upon the giver of this toa>t, and 
said, the lively imagination of my young brother has attributed to me 
a vocal power which I never claimed to possess. I am quite sure that 
were I to whistle, this audience would be more alarmed than they ever 
were before. Whistle, Sir ? I am hardly able even to speak. True, I can- 
not say, with my brother who has preceded me, that I am literally 
cornered. My condition is even more distressing. I can say nothing ; 
for brother Fisk has said every thing, and said every thing about every 
tiling. 

Yet when I look about this hall, so beautifully decorated, and these 
tables, so tastefully arranged and bounteously supplied, in all which the 
hand of woman is visible, and remember that the sermon told us that 
the ladies, by the avails of their labor, purchased the organ in the 
church, I am not surprised that so many professional men have found 
their wives in Wrentham. Solomon's notions of a good wife, would 
have led him to send his ships here for wives, had he lived in our times. 

_^ An allusion being here made to the troublous times which preceded Mr. Fisk's 
ministry in this place, he having stated in tlie body of the discourse, p. 6, that there 
were forty-eight candidates who preceded himself ; "it may be a matter of interest to 
insert an item found among our church papers. It is verbatim as follows : 

" The mini^ter^ that preached in our meeting house after the dismis>ion of Mr. Avery, 
in the year 1798. From 1793, to July 1796, down to Mr. Mes^er. And afcerMr. Packard 
no account to the present settlement; but there were a number more. Mr. Carrill, Mr. 
Green, Mr. Probes. Mr Riplev, Mr. WooJbrid2;e, Mr. Emmon=;, Mr. Stone, Mr. Crane, 
Mr. Fish, Mr. Ju l>on, Mr Elias Fisher, Mr. Kendall, of Weston, Mr. Kendall, of Fox- 
borough, Mr. Taft, Mr. White, Mr. Read, Mr. Tuft>. Brother, Mr. How, :\Ir. Sumner, 
Mr. Daggett, iMr. Bailey, Mr. Green, Mr. Riddel, Mr. Fredenburg, Mr. Brown, Mr. 
Worthington, jAIr. Palmer, Mr. Spring, Mr. Pinneo, Mr. Jabez Fisher, Mr. Remington, 
Mr. Whitnev. :Mr. Richmond, Mr. Ward, Mr. Prentiss, :\Ir. Muzzv, Mr. Daggett, Mr. 
Mason, Mr. FJliot, M- William*, Mr. Vose, Mr. Morev, Mr. Cummins, Mr. Chickering, 
Mr. Preston. Mr WUder, Mr. Clark, Mr. Kellosg, Mr.' Howard. Mr. Maxcy, Mr. Wilson, 
Mr. Alden, Mr. Hitchcock, Mr. Messer, Mr. Dunbar, Mr. Hill, Mr. Packard. 

By E. Ware.'* 



85 



Yonder I see "Jubilee." In olden time, on sucli anniversaries, if 
a servant chose to abide, his ear was bored through at the post of the 
door, and he was to abide forever. So let it be with the venerated 
man wlio has served as the minister of Christ fifty years, till his jubilee 
has come. Bore his ear through with kindness, and let him abide ybrerer. 

Mr, James announced, at the concUision of Mr. Holmes' remarks, 
that the drivers of the coaches were becoming exceedingly impatient; 
nevertheless knowing them to be men of excellent good nature, he ven- 
tured to give one more sentiment: 

The Conductors of the Religious Press. We are aware that they 
can speak with types ; do they also possess the gift of tongues? 

In reply to this, Key. Martin Moore, of the Puritan Recorder, 
arose and said : 

3Ir. President. I suppose that the sentiment just given calls upon me 
for a response. T\"e, who are engaged in conducting the religious press, 
ieoi a deep interest in occasions like these. One part of our work is 
to record events similar to this. The reminiscences of fifty years of a 
pastor's life furnish materials for our columns that will be read by 
thousands with deep interest. It is true that your venerable pastor has 
labored half a century in this quiet and beautiful village, and the re- 
sults of his labors are recorded on high ; but the whole amount of good 
that he has accomplished will not be fully developed until the secrets 
of all hearts shall be revealed. This church has always firmly adhered to 
the doctrines of the Puritans. At this day it cleaves to those great 
principles that were brought over in the May Flower, which have made 
New England what it is. The God of the Pilgrims has not left him- 
self without a witness. Under the ministrations both of the Senior and 
Junior Pastors, he has borne witness to these truths. They have been 
written upon the hearts of many who have fallen asleep, and of many 
who remain until this day. It is a part of the duty of the religious press 
to record such triumphs of victorious grace. I venerate the Puritans, 
and pledge the religious press to exert its influence to perpetuate their 
virtues. I give as a sentiment: 

The Memory of our Puritan Fathers. May the present generation 
rise up and call them blessed. 

Rev. Erasmus D.Moore, and Rey. I. N. Tarbox, Editors of The 
Congregationalist, were also present as representatives of the Xew 
England Christian Press. 

Up to this point in the entertainment the speakers had been called 
up in rapid succession, and crowded into the smallest space of time. It 
is impossible for us to retain in this report all the humor and raclness 
of the several speeches made. The flow of eloquence and good feeling 
was uninterrupted; and all felt it a sort of relief, of minds intensely 
excited, when, after the departure of some fifteen or twenty of our 
friends for the cars, it was requested that for a few moments the com- 
pany would resume the knife and fork service. It was a matter of re- 
gret that, for want of time, we could not hear from several other gentle- 
men who were present, and who left unwillingly at this early hour. 
We were sorry to part with our friends, but we confess to a peculiar 



yearning towarcls those speeches in their pockets, which missed th« 
occasion, poor unfortunates ! and will never see the light. 

The company were next entertained by the reading of the following 
letter, received from the Rev. John P. Cleveland, D. D., of Provi- 
dence, R. I., directed to Kev. Horace James, the Commiitee of Corres- 
pondence. 

Providence, Monday, June 11th. 
My Dear Brother t — Your kind invitation to be with you 
to-morrow, came Friday afternoon. 

The moment I saw your arrangements announced, I said, " God will- 
ing, I will go to that Celebration." But oh ! these " sober second 
thoughts," how they will upset all our most delightful schemes ! They 
are as unwelcome, for aught I know, to us as to the political aspirants. 
The very next day, after I had swallowed this sweet cup of anticipation, 
it came all over me, most unbidden and unwished for, that on the self- 
same 12th of June, begins the meeting of the Consociation of Rhode 
Island, in the very city where I dwell, and, that being Moderator of the 
last meeting, an immovable necessity is laid on me to be present at th© 
opening hour, 10 A. M., and being, (unhappily for all concerned.) the 
preaelier for the preseilt year, the same necessity chains me to the city, 
till after 9 o'clock at night, by which time I presume the guests as well 
as the cloth will have been removed from your table. I have tried 
every way to get over this difficulty, but it wont move an inch for me. 
I have resorted to Astronomy and Geography, but in vain. We are 
less than twenty miles apart, and the sun rises and sets so nearly at the 
same time in Providence and Wrentham, (I beg pardon, I should have 
said, Wrentham and Providence,) I may as well call it the same day in 
both places, and submit to my fate, as quietly as possible. 

There are more reasons than you know of, why I have a right to be 
with you. 

That holy man, whose name I bear, my venerated uncle, was long the 
pastor of the church in your Northern precinct. 

When a boy, I used to go with my mother, to see her mother in 
Canterbury, Connecticut, and you must know that Wrentham was the 
first town I ever slept in, away from home. It was a memorable night 
to me. I was sent over from my uncle's to water the horse at a Mr. 
Mann's ; it was a well with a windlass, and having never seen one 
before, I had some fears that the rapid rotations, after I threw off the 
stone, would whirl me, some how or other, to the bottom. This was in 
October, 1814. In October, 1844, that same family of Mann's, (though 
most of them were women,) met that same timid verdant boy at Cin- 
cinnati, grown to manhood, and almost grey, as their Pastor, the parties 
having never seen each other in the thirty intervening years. 

I distinctly remember that at that time I soberly supposed Canter- 
bury and Byfield to be very near the two ends of the continent, and 
Wrentham to be exactly in the centre. Why should n't I, when it was 
the half-way house of the only journey I had ever travelled, or con- 
ceived of? 

But I must stop this rambling. I do, indeed, bless God for all his 
goodness to his church in AYrentham, and for his loving kindness to 



37 

her pastors, especially to the venerable man, whose Jubilee comes off 
to-morrow. 

If you will allow me to offer you a sentiment, a pure cold water one, 
I will detain you no longer, except to say, that I thank you cordially for 
your letter, although when it came it was but a real aggravation. I^ow, 
then, for the sentiment : 

TliB Colleague Pastors at Wrentham. Elisha the prophet, and James 
the apostle ; a happy illustration of the unity of the old and neio dis- 
pensations ; may the union not be dissolved, till the former has also 
attended the Semi-Centennial of the latter. 

Your affectionate brother, John P. Cleveland. 

P. S. I do not feel certain that Father Fisk will consent to stay 
quite so long as I have proposed, but I don't think my toast will be in 
his way, when his '• nunc dimiUis'* is well sung. 

After a brief interval, the President of the Day recalled the atten- 
tion of the assembly, by giving the following : 

The fair City of Worcester. The heart of our Commonwealtli, 
Her voice should not be silent on this oc(a^ion. 

This drew forth some very interesting remarks and reminiscences 
from Eev. E. Saialley, D. D., of Worcester. "We regret our inability 
to report them verbatim. He expressed the pleasure it gave him to 
mingle with us on this occasion. He had enjoyed, for a long period, an 
acquaintance with this people, and their aged pastor; and to meet them 
under such circumstances as the present, was highly satislactory to him. 
He alluded, in a very happy and entertaining manner, to his first ac- 
quaintance with Father Fisk. '• I recollect," said he, " as if it had been 
yesterday, my first recitation to him in the Latin Grammar, when he 
was my teacher. The jnarks he rande in my book are still there. The 
emphatic sotto voce inariiculate sound, which he uttered ever and anon 
during the recitation, expressive' of his gratification and approval, still 
murmurs like distant music in my ears. His hale and heai'ty a[)pearance 
at that time, his freshness of countenance and vigor of person, I well 
remember, for they made a sirong impression on me. But truth com- 
pels me to say, that succeedinpi; years have not greatly changed him. 
In fact I can scarcely see that he appears to be a different man to-day 
from what he was then. I could safely alfii-m an almost exact; identity. 
It is a matter of astonishment to myself, and one on which I congratu- 
ate him, that Time has written so few wrinkles on his brow. 

The speaker next alluded to the honor which the minister and people 
here had mu-AiaUy reflected ; he remaining with them as a pastor dur- 
ing so long a period, and being highly respected to the last, and they 
cheerfully retaining hira so long, andalA'ays treating him so handsomely 
and liberally. 

In closing. Dr. S. referred to another meeting which wonid ere long 
take place before the great tribunal on high, at which we should all be 
present. He offered his mo>t cordial <;oi»gTatulations to thoi^e now 
assembled, and hoped, through the grace of God, they might all attain 
to the sahits' everlastiag :"est. 



88 

Esquire "Warner then gave as a sentiment : 

The venerable Dr. Pierck, of Brookline. Though absent, he ha» 
sent us tokens of his sympathy. 

At the mention of this name the whole audience seemed subdued and 
pensive. The Brookline Sage was well known among us, and was a 
universal favorite with the people. It was a severe disappointment to 
them not to see him at the celebration. The following letter, received 
from him a few days previous, was then read: 

BrooMine, 8th June, 1849, 

Your kind letter of sympathy, dear Brother James, sensibly aflfected 
me. 

I thank you for the invitation to Brother Fisk's Jubilee, to which, as 
a member of the Committee of Arrangements, you invite me. Nothing 
but the low state of my health forbids my compliance. I have indeed 
been reduced to a skeleton, almost to the gates of death, and nearly 
within hearing of celestial symphonies. But I now seem convalescent. 
There is some prospect that I may have a short reprieve. I bless God, 
in Christ Jesus, that I have been enabled to say, through a protracted 
illness, I trust from the heart, " The will of the Lord be done 1 " My 
thoughts will be much with you, on the 12th instant. Give me leaYt 
to suggest, as a suitable sentiment on that festive occasion : 

The Jubilee of our venerated pastor, the Rev. Elisha Fisk ; a rare 
instance, in modern times, of durability in the christian ministry. May 
the young colleague, the Rev. Horace James, attain to a like longevity 
in office ; and may both senior and junior pastors, having finished their 
course and kept the faith, meet the approving sentence of their final 
Judge, "Well done, good and faithful servants, ye have been faithful 
over a few things, I will make you rulers over many things, enter y© 
into the joy of your Lord." 

So prays your affectionate friend and brother, 

John Pierce. 



On the morning of the 12th of June, Dr. Pierce kindly sent to !Mr. 
Fisk, to grace the tables, a beautiful boquet of Flowers, which was placed 
upon the central table, immediately before the President of the Day. 
It was brought by Rev. Joseph Haven, Jr., of Brookline, accompanied 
by the following note. 

BrooUine, 12th June, 1849. 

This bright collection of flowers is presented to the Rev. Elisha Fisk, 
of Wrentham, on his day of Jubilee, by his affectionate fellow Jubilant^ 
the Rev. John Pierce, of Brookline, signifying, " As for man, his days 
are as grass ; as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth ; " suggesting 
the beautiful exhortation of the blessed Jesus, " Consider the lilies of 
the field, how they grow ; they toil not, neither do they spin ; and yet 
I say unto you, that even Solomon in all his glory, was not arrayed 
like one of these ; " and, above all, exciting the aspirations of the de- 
vout after those amaranthine flowers in the paradise of God, " which ne'er 
grow, which ne'er decay ; " but which, in the *' wreck of matter and the 



39 

«rush of world.-," shall, in the bright light of God's countenance, flourisli 
in immortal bloom. For 

"If God hath made this earth po fair, 

Where sin ami death abound; 
How beautiful beyond compare, 

Must Paradise be found." 

Wishing you the J07 of an unclouded day, I am your friend and 
brother, John Pierce. 



It was this boquet of flowers to which allusion was made in the toast 
last read. They were indeed pleasing tokens of his sympathy, as well 
as affecting emblems of liuman frailty. In explanation of the senti- 
ment, Rev. Mr. James held up the flowers in sight of the assembly, and 
said : We are deprived of the pleasure of seeing with us to-day the 
venerable form of our good Dr. Pierce, we are not permitted to hear 
his great voice, or receive his hearty affectionate greetings. But we 
have here an appropriate emblem of himself. These sweet smiling 
flowers, how like the radiance of his benevolent countenance ! and 
fresh, as the flow of his spirits; — culled under his direction, and taste- 
fully arranged by his own hand, they are indeed beautiful ; but not 
more so than his snow-white locks, and cheerful, benignant, graceful old 
age. May the Lord bless him, and kindly lengthen out his life these 
many years. And let the day soon corae when more of our fellow men 
shall possess the qualities of that remarkable man, the Patriarch op 
Brooklixe. 

Samuel Warner, Jr., Esq., gave the following: 

Tiiough we have been somewhat shorn of our strength by the deK 
parture of our Boston friends, yet it must be acknowledged that w« 
have suffered no diminution of our Powers. 

This brought to his feet, somewhat unexpectedly to himself, the Kev. 
Dennis Powers, of S. Abington, who made observations as follows: 

3fr. President This day, to me, is replete with the most tender 
and thrilling reroUections. Twenty years ago, I came into this town, an 
uneducated, difhlent, tall and green Xew Hampshire boy. I felt a 
reverence for every hoy in the street. My intellectual infirmities were 
many, and I am afraid this speech will prove that but too few have 
passed away. 

There come to my mind, as I look upon this scene, grateful recoUeo 
tions of noble men, whom our eyes behold not here to enjoy this festivity 
to day. Where are the Day's, the Fisher's, the Shepard's, the Blake's, 
the Hawes's, the Ware's, the Porter's, and Sanders's, and many others 
who were pillars and strong rods in this Society in their day ? Trulj 

" We're not all here; — 
■Some are away, the dead ones dear, 
"Who thronged with U'', this ancient Church. 
Some like a iiiglit-fla-h passed away; 
And soma sank, linixering d iv by ilav ; — 
The quiet grave-yard — Si>me lie there, 
Aud cruel Ocean has his share. 

We 're not all here." 

I was much interested in certain allusion? mide in the discourse of 
this day, referring to the founding of the xVcademy, and to the chaVitieg 



40 

of* the Ladles in this Society. And, Sir, I cannot help believing, that the 
combination of such influences as E(hjcation and female excellence 
have done much to render permanent and useful tlie pastoral relation 
here. And it is from these influences, above all others earthly, that any 
minister may hope to attain the flfiieth anniversary of his settlement 
among any one people. If I might venture a sentiment, which I deem 
appropriate to this metiopolis of bonnet making, it should be this: 

The Ladies of Wrentham. While with honorable taste and industry 
they have adorned the ]ieads of their own sex, by their noble charities, 
they have improved the heads and the hearts of the other. 2'htir works 
praise them. May these influences continue and increase in the coming 
semi-centenary which this day begins, and, like a nurturing atmosphere 
bless the pastoral relation here for fifty years to come. Allow me, Sir, 
in this sentiment, with which I close: 

The present Pastors of this Church. The Senior^ having been " as 
a nail fastened in a sure place,'' in this respect, may the Junior be 
like him. 

Esq. "Warner then observed : We are happy to see there is still 
"another Richmond in the field." 

Upon which the Rev. T. T. RrcH:\roND, of Medfield, arose and said : 
I cannot agree with you, Mr. President, just at this time ; and pre- 
sume there are many others here wlio do not. For I know not how to 
address such an intelligent assembly as this, in a way to interest or 
profit them. But I would remark, Sir, that, while the venerable senior 
pastor of this church was addressing us to day, although he spoke of 
changes that have transpired during his ministry, it appeared to me that 
the wheels of time had stood still for a while with respect to him. I first 
saw him about twenty-five years ago, and heard him preach frequently. 
His appearance indicated that he had lived many years in this world, 
but then he was vigorous and strong. I met him but seldom after this, 
until about 1843 ; when I found him the same man, with no more 
wrinkles upon his brow, or gray hairs upon his head. And to-day he 
has witnessed that his eye has scarcely grown dim, or his natural force 
abated. 

What a blessing to have one in the ministry so long, one so highly 
favored and well sustained, and Avhose experience and counsel we can 
have from his own lips, for encouragement and profit. 

But, Sir, there was another consideration that affected me more 
deeply. Our venerable friend has been the stated minister of the gospel 
to this people, he has told us, for fifty years. What an influence this 
must have had upon them. Important changes have taken place during 
that period, in the Town, in the State, in the Country, and in the World. 
And yet all the while this influence has been extending itself, and 
affecting families and individuals. There were aged persons here when 
he was first settled, who soon passed away. Among the first duties he 
was called to perform, was t at of visiting them in their declining years. 
It devolved upon him to stand beside their dying beds, point them to 
heavAi, and then see them die. There were others in the prime of life, 
like himself, vigorous and active. Some oi them found an early grave. 



41 

He has grown up with others ; and with some is now aged. All the 
way througli their lives his ministry has been acting upon them ; form- 
ing their intellectual characters, developing their social virtues, giving a 
right tone to their moral feelings, and throwing around them the cords of 
religion that have bound them to the high and ennobling principle of true 
godliness. The influence of such a ministry, however, stops not here. 
It is not confined to one generation, nor one world. Our friend will ere 
long finish his labors on earth and go to his rest. But his influence will 
live The streams that started and moved with so much promise, 
under his personal direction, will widen and deepen, as they flow out 
upon society. Cords, which he touched himself, will vibrate with in- 
creased power, and will extend and reach and bless communities h« 
never saw. 

But in another world, all at last will meet ; and how many, after he 
has taken his seat at the foot of the throne, will come up there, one 
after another, and sit down with him ; persons who were converted to 
Christ under his ministry, and who, encouraged and strengthened by his 
example and counsel, will help swell the eternal anthems of the 
redeemed. I close. Sir, with this sentiment : 

A Gospel Ministry of fifty years. We see some of its happy fruits 
to-day. We shall see yet more illustrious results at the great Jubilee 
in heaven. 

Mr. James next volunteered the following : 

Ret. Dajjiel Poor, of Ceylon. A veteran, time-worn Missionary, 
still in his prime. We welcome him among us, on this joyous occasion. 
He has come from across the ocean to address us. But some of us have 
seen him here before, and recollect the errand on which he came. 

Dr. Poor was so overcome, by this unexpected allusion to the past, 
that for some moments he could not speak. But becoming composed, 
the arose and said something within 360 degrees of the following: 

Mr. President and Ladies and Gentlemen. I am indeed happy 
in being with you on this joyful Anniversary. I love to attend and en- 
gage in such celebrations as the present. And I am more than usually 
gratified to-day, from a recollection of the fact, that this is a Jubilee in 
my personal history ; it being fifty years since the time of my first 
obtaining hope in the mercy of Christ our Saviour. That was the 
period and the event which gave a new direction to my life, and led 
me at length to devote myself to Missionary lab3r in a foreig^i field. 
My heart was early set upon doing good to perishing India. Its desti- 
tution with respect to spiritual privileges, it being wholly given up to 
idolatry, powerfully wrouzlit upon me. It was a fire in my bones. 
With other beloved brethren, some of them now gone to their rewards, 
we left our native land in 1815. I parted from my mother, never ex- 
pecting to see her again. She embraced me affectionately, and from her 
moistened eyes there fell upon me two tears, one of sympathy, and one 
o^joy. She had no wish to detain me, but cheerfully gave me up to 
Ciirist and the Church. B.ifc I will not tax your patien:^e. Sir, in this 
connection, with the trials aid vicissitudes of a Missionary's life. It seems 
rather to be expectel of m3, tlut so>ne allusioa be made to a former 
4* 



42 

visit to your pleasant village, made before my embarkation for India. 
This was my first journey of exploration and discovery into these parts. 
It was in the lovely month of June. Every thing looked bright. It 
was the witching season of the year. I was kindly received b}' friends. 
And not only the freshness of the foliage ami beauty of the scenery, but 
some other things that occurred before I left, made me feel that all of 
Paradise was not lost. 

I am happy to say, that my present visit is wholly in keeping with 
the former one in 1812, and this is saying not a little. 

Dr. Poor then alluded to the " Ladies Reading and Braiding Society," 
established here in 1812, chiefly through the exertions of Miss Susan 
JBulfinch, who was then an instuctress in the Academy in this place, and 
who afterwards became Mrs. Poor. This Society, some of whose origi- 
nal members are still living, was instrumental of great good, and became 
a parent Society to many others. Mrs. Poor subsequently held corres- 
pondence with some of its members, and lor many years it sent valuable 
aid to the Mission at Ceylon. The fruits of the timely, eificient, and 
faithful efforts of my late wife (continued Dr. Poor) aie visibly mani- 
fest in our Mission. In the department oi female education, especially, 
her wisdom, tact and success were remarkable. She first succeeded in 
enticing into our premises a timid heathen girl, and in inducing her to 
overcome her fears sufficiently to remain with us and be taught. The 
circumstances were these. Our boarding-school for loys was already 
full, so that we could take no more ; but we had no heathen girl under 
our care. At this juncture, a father came to the mission house bring- 
ing his son, and besought us to take charge of him. We declined doing 
so, not having room, and he was about to depart disappointed, when 
Mrs. Poor offered to take the lad, if the parent would bring along with 
liim a daughter also. He at first refused, but was at length persuaded 
to comply with the condition. This girl, who afterwards became a 
Christian and was named Harriet Newell Ambrose, was very useful to 
the natives, and her subsequent history is somewhat remarkable. TVe 
were obliged to resort to a kind of stratagem at first, to secure a class of 
girls in our boarding-school. We offered to clothe them, if they would 
come and join the school. But in order to convey to you my meaning, 
it will be necessary to refer to a passage of scripture, in which it is de- 
clared that Moses stripped the people naked ; that is, he divested them 
of their ornaments. The Orientals do not feel that they are clad unless 
they are arrayed in their ornaments. We therefore offered each little 
girl a simple ornament for the neck, and it had the des'red effect. After 
this, we found no such inducement necessary. Our female boarding- 
school has flourished from that day to this, and proved of incalculable 
advantage to the Mission. Mrs. Poor was always, during her life, its 
patron and most efficient helper. 

Dr. Poor related some interesting incidents, relative to the Mission 
at Jaffna, in Ceylon, with which he had been connected more than thirty 
years ; and spoke very feelingly of the changes to which the Mission 
and himself had been subjected. He closed his highly interesting obser- 
vations by making a brief but forcible appeal to the audience, to forget 



43 

not their ohliirations to the heathen world. This people, havinfj; enjoyed 
a stated ministry for fifty years, are peculiarly bound to do tlieir part 
toward furnishing the stated means of grace to the perishing and guilty. 
"Freely ye have received, freely give." 

The foregoing is but an imperfect and feeble outline of Dr. Poor's 
speech ; and will fail to convey any suitable impression of its ex- 
cellence. 

The next toast, read by Mr. James, was as follows : 

The Clergymen of Boston ; not all gone in the cars. Old Park Street 
is still represented by one whom we shall claim as being, by matrimo- 
nial alliance, a citizen and Son of AYrentham. 

The Rev. Andrew L. Stone responded nearly in the following 
terms : 

Mr. Chairman. It is not legitimate with me to take any part in 
this Jubilee of the Wrenthamites. I am neither a native of AVrentham, 
(which ^ my misfortune not my fault,) nor a son of a native. The 
only link that binds me to these domestic histories, which are recited 
with so much interest this day, is, that I had the good fortune to win as 
a bride a daughter of the first organist* in the village church — that 
other church which was torn down — and of a lady, who was a pupil of 
that lamented matron,! whom our revered father from Ceylon has so 
justly and so feelingly eulogized. 

The family with which I claim alliance is largely represented here 
to-day ; and it was agreed among us, that if we were publicly insulted 
on this occasion, I should be commissioned to repel the impertinence ; — 
an office awarded to me, perhaps, because it is conceded that I have 
done rather more toward handing down to posterity the good qualities 
of the line than any of the more direct descendants. 

But, Sir, had I been a stranger to all the kindreds gathered here, I 
could not have witnessed the scenes of this day unmoved. AYho of us 
does not envy the feelings of that venerable servant of God, whose 
second half century among this people dawns so auspiciously to-day. 
What an untold wealth of happy memories is his, this hour, from this 
long-unbroke;i harmony of fellowship. What a rare lot, to retain the 
affections and confidence of a whole people through so many years and 
changes. How he must lo:'e to think to-day of that enduring attach- 
ment to his person and his ministry. The warm hearts that first wel- 
comed him here, are still and cold, but the hearts of their sons and 
daughters beat around him as warm and true as those that first girded 
him in these walks. Tliey did not tire of him after a little while ; his 
voice, his face, never grew old to them; they delighted in him after the 
novelty of his first coming was a thing of the far past. The freshness 
of their first love, transmitting it from sire to son, they have kept up to 
this latest hour. Shall any of us have such a history to recite ? Who 
would not co\ et it for himself ? 

Most of those who preceded me have made some cordial allusion to 
the junior colleague. But, Sir, I have a better right than any of them 
to name him with a brother's aifection. \Ve were together in our 

• Abijah Fisher, Esq., of New York. t Wife of Kcv. Dr. Poor. 



44 

youthful i'ltne?^ Vfe walked beneath the classic shades of Yale, in the 
years when soul is knit to souL We were not indeed classmates, but 
we knew each other, and loved each other, and made our voices chime 
in those halcyon days. I rejoice that we are now so near neighbors, 
and I am ready to pledge him, aci'oss the little distance that separates 
us, a brother's heart in all his need. 

Sir, I desire to keep the impressions of this day as long as I live. 
The interest of this tender and solemn scene is most affecting to my 
mind. Nor will it be easy to forget the generous hospitalities of the 
Ladies of the village, which have made these tables groan with bounties ; 
nor the watchful and assiduous attentions of those also who have graced 
while they have served the board. So many pleasant associations con- 
curring — this delightful weather, these green fields, clothed with the 
early summer verdure, this hall, decked with evergreens, must make 
this day an evergreen in our memories. 

At the conclusion of the eloquent remarks of the last gentleman, Mr. 
James observed, that though he had had the honor to present quite a 
number of toasts already, he could not, without great injustice to his 
feelings, refrain from making allusion to one more clergyman, a beloved 
father in the ministry, and whom all who know him delight to honor. 
Protracted and painful illiiess, said he, has laid him aside from public 
duties for several months. He has our most cordial sympathy in all 
his bereavements and trials. It delights us to see him here to-day, 
with health so nearly recovered. I give : 

Our venerable Father, the Ret. Jacob Ide, D. D. Ilis name is 
three quarters of an idea. His head is full of whole ones. 

The Dr. was forced to rise, in spite of his characteristic modesty, and 
offered substantially the following observations : 

Mir. President. I have some hesitation in replying to the gentle- 
man who has in this flattering manner called me up, because I feel too 
high a respect for him to prove his declarations untrue, as I am certain 
I shall do, if I attempt to make a speech. Besides, his error is so much 
more complimentary to me than the truth would be, I am strongly 
tempted to let it pass without exposure. 

I cannot, however, forbear to express the pleasure which I feel in 
the exercises of this day. They have vividly revived in my mind 
many of the associations of youth. The Psalm which was sung to-day 
is one of the first which I ever committed to memory ; and the tune in 
which it was sung is the first that I was ever taught to sing. Though 
I was not present at the ordination of the venerable senior pastor of 
this church, yet 1 remember well the day on which it took place. At 
that time ordinations were deemed very important and interesting 
transactions. The people generally were anxious to attend them. I 
recollect one fact, which shows, in some degree, the strength of the feel- 
ing which prevailed at that time on this subject. The day before the 
ordination of the senior pastor in this place, a poor man, far advanced 
in years, living at a distance of thirteen miles from here, and having no 
means of conveyance but his own imderstandings, called at the house of 
my father to borrow a pair of stockings, saying, that he wanted to attend 
the ordination at Wrentham, and added, " I am determined to go, even 



45 

if I go wltlioHt stochinys" As it was then the almost universal custom 
for men of his years to wear small-clothes, tiiis declaration, in connec- 
tion with the other circamslances of the case, struck me as indicating a 
very strong inclination fo attend. 

The Senior Pastor of this church began his ministry just about the 
time when I i)egaa to feel a more than usual interest in tiie preaching 
of the gospel, and is one of those whom I was then in the habit of hear- 
ing frequently, and with great interest. I was much instructed, and I 
hope benefited by his early labors. This circumstance made it a pecu- 
liar pleasure to me to be located so near him, and has always given me 
an interest in his person and labors which I cannot feel in eveiy one. 
I remember, too, with great interest, many of his early associates in the 
ministry, most of whom have already gone to their reward. 

I cannot but feel a respect for the man who can, in these days of ex- 
citement and change, retain his standing in the ministry among the 
same people for fi.'ty 3''ears. The ministry is a work of so m u h inher- 
ent ditficulty, requiring in hiin who exercises it traits of character of 
no ordinary excellence, and these in a great variety, that when it is 
reput.ibly sustained by one individual in the same place for fifty years, 
the inference is almost irresistible that there are in that individual's 
character not only some real excellencies, but a rare combination of 
them. It is not easy to escape the impression, that he has been amia- 
ble in his disposition, conciliating 'in his manners, in lusti'ious and per- 
severing in his labors, and capable of becoming all things to all men. 
Those who know what a variety of tastes, habits, prejudices and pre- 
possessions prevail among the members of all our religious societies, 
and consider the fact that what is pleasing to one is often displeasing to 
another, and that what is looked upon as a faithful discharge of a min- 
ister's duty by one, is often considered by others as overstepjjing the 
bounds of his appropriate sphere of action, and interfering with what 
be ought to haNe nothing to do with, cannot but view the continuance 
of a man, actively and acceptably engaged in the work of the ministry, 
in the same place for fifty years, as a matter of great admiration, 

I have aNo a high respect for a people, among whom any minister 
can, in the faithful discharge of the duties of his otfice, remain in peace 
for fifty years. The best of men have their failings. In the course of 
fifty years there will be, even in a truly godly minister, many things to 
try the patience of his people. Unless thny can sometimes hear with 
weakness, and overlook mistakes, and even panlon sinful infirmities, 
the hope of a long and successful ministry amon^j any people must be a 
vain hope. The continuance of a minister among the same people for 
half a century, is an exceedingly interesting fa("t in res[)ect to ihem as 
well as him. It indicates a deeper reverence for the sacred office, and 
a more intelli:ent and candid consideration of the mutual obligations of 
minister and people, than is manifest in mo<t of our congregations. 

The Fisiikr Family, having been from the very first highly re- 
spectable and numerous in this town, were next called upon for remarks. 

Abijaii FisiiKu, E-;q., a merchant of New York, aro>e to sjieak for 
the older members of the fa nilv. In a strain of very interesting re- 
mark, he dwelt upon the good old times when he lived in this his nativa 



46 

place. He vras then in the vigor of youth. The old meeting-house in 
which he worshipped and played the organ, the old oaks upon the com- 
mon, and many of the old landmarks and familiar things were gone — 
all gone. The faces and forms of those wlio were then the old men he 
now saw not, but had been reading their epitaphs in the cemetery with 
& melancholy pleasure. All the countenances he met in the street, 
most of those he now saw before him, were stranae to him ; all bright, 
friendly, hospitable and kind, but woi familiar. There was one marked 
exception ; the shepherd of the flock was the same. He still remained 
in appearance what he knew him in youth. His every look and motion 
was natural, and precisely as of old. He felt that he himself had 
grown old ; and he knew it must be so with his old minister, but he 
could not see it. By the scenes and occurrences of this day he felt 
carried back to his boyhood ; and he was conscious of a respect for the 
aged pastor of this church deeper and more heartfelt than he ever en- 
tertained before. He concluded, by wishing him happiness and peace 
all the remnant of his days, and by expressing a continued and una- 
bated interest in this village, in its young minister and his family, in 
this religious society, in all its people and in all their interests. 

The younger members of the Fisher Family being called upon, were 
noticed to turn their eyes involuntarily towards one among them, whose 
standing and scholarship eminently fitted him to reply in their behalf. 
Whereupon Mr. George P. Fisher, a graduate of Brown University 
and now a student in theology, arose and said : 

It will hardly be expected, Mr. President, that I should offer a 
epeech, e^-pecially in the presence of this brilliant throng of clergy and 
laity and ladies. For, Sir, I am one of those who belong to a younger 
generation, and who are here as listeners, not as speakers. I may, 
however, refer to a single passage in the discourse of the morning, in 
which was a deserved tribute to the far-sighted wisdom and generous 
philanthropy of Benjamin Day, the founder of the institution of learn- 
ing vrhich, for nearly fifty years, has conferred rich and varied benefits 
upon this town.* I know not that any of his lineal descendants are 
here ; but I see before me one who bears his honored name, and who 
was for several years an instructor in the Academy. Without irrever- 
ence to the Scriptures, I would offer this sentiment: 

"A Day is these courts is better than a thousand." 

The following are the remarks of Rey. Samuel Day, of Springfield, 
in reply to the foregoing : 

I am not willing. Mr. President, by a "speech" of mine, to run any 
risk of disturbing the feelings with which this audience must retire from 
these joyous solemnities. 

No, Sir. The impressions made on our minds, during the day, are 
too delightful, and the associaiions connected with it are too hallowed, 
to be jeoparded in any way, and /would not disturb them. It is 

* Day's Academy, which was founded hereby Benjamin Day, Esq., in the year 1808, 
is still a flourishinp; and useful institution, frequented not oidy by our own citizens, but 
by many from other towns. Its present Principal is Mr. Augustus H. Buik, late of 
Amherst College, au experienced and popular teacher. 



47 

enough that the hero of the occasion is here, loaded with the weight, 
and bearing the honors of half a century's pastoral service ; enough 
that he has taken us, in thought, over the entire space, through 
which, as the spiritual guide of this church and people, lie has so faitb- 
fullj and honorably toiled ; — honorably to himself, faithfully to them. 

With him, therefore, and with those who have so eloquently addressed 
us, together with the ladies, who have so elegantly dressed these viands, 
would I have the honor of all the pleasing reminiscences and holy 
associations connected with these scenes. 

I will, then, only respond to the courtesy of my young clerical friend 
(Mr. Geo. P. Fisher) on the right, in the reference which has been 
made to my name, in connection with the seminary of learning in this 
place, (Diiy's Academy.) and close with this sentiment — no less the 
conviction than the desire of my mind. May he become, in the scrip- 
tural sense of the term, a Fisher of men. 

The whole assembly then united in singing the following Original 
Hymn, composed, and kindly furnished for the occasion, by Kev. Wm. 
M. Thatek, of Ashland : 

BRroHT memories throng on rapid wing, 

This hour of festive joy below; 
Thoughts into fruitful being spring 

From seed sown fifty years ago. 

These walls that echo to our praise, 

These fields of Zion, blooming fair, 
Repeat the tale of other days, 
..?,„.' With FIFTY YEARS of faith and prayer. 

Time marks these footworn aisles of God; 

This flock the faithful record gives, 
That change upon this spot hath trod, 
., - . And 3'et the aged Shepherd lives. 

Death with a skilful hand hath cut 

A thousand heart-strings every j'ear; 
Some loved ones of this flock are not ; 
But still God keeps the Shepherd here. 

And yet in peace may he abide ; 

His people warm affection show ; 
As when they chose him for their guida 

And pastor, fifty y'ears ago. 

And when they lay him in the dust, 

And love some fond memorial rears ; 
Lord ! may they view the sacied trust, 

And bless Thee for these fifty years. 

After the singing of the hymn some individuals began to leare the 
hall, the exercises having been already somewhat protracted, when Mr. 
James observed to the audience that he perceived the face of a minis- 
terial brother and college friend directed toward the door, and should 
be sorry to lo-ie sight of his white locks before he had contributed his 
share to the public entertainment of this meeting. Whereupon ths 
Rev. I. N. Tarbox, of Framingham, whose "locks are white, but not 
with years," made brief answer, thus : 

It has occurred to me, Mr. Chairman, since I have been here pa»- 
ticipating in the services and festivities of this occasion, whether som»- 



43 

thing ought not to be done to make these sea?;ons of more frequent 
occurrence in the commuiiit}'. Tlie idea of ceii^bruting the fiftieth 
anniversary of a pastor's settlement, is an idea conformed to tlie modes 
and habits of a by-gone age. We live at a time when Qsex-y thing 
moves faster, and a man becomes venerable in the mijiisiry quicker. 
For instance, I have been in tlie ministry a little less than live years, 
and already about two-thirds of the pastors who were settled in the 
churches of my Conference, at the time of my ordination, have gone. 
I begin to feel considerably like a patriarch among my brethren. It 
has occurred to me, whether the period should not be shortened and 
brought down to the style of things in the present age, and I would 
suggest ten years, instead of fifti/, Si5 a suitable time for these com- 
memorations. Some arrangement of this kind would insure a more 
frequent return of occasions like the present, which have now (much 
to the grief of the community) growm to he exceedingly rare ; and 
also, it would give some of us younger ministers a chance. In the 
present arrangement of things our case is well nigh hopeless. 

Esq. Warner then gave the following : 

Our Fishers have made their offering, but in he depths of our Ponds 
silence has prevailed. 

This brought out a speech from Kev. Preston Pond, of Milford, a 
native of this town, who said : 

Mr. President. There is a great interest connected with cele- 
brations like the present. They mark a permanent ministry, and in 
this view they are to be considered as the signals of an age which all 
have reason to fear is fast vanishing away in its twihght. Ministerial 
jubilees, it is to be feared, will be rare in the coming age, unless we 
celebrate our fiftieth settlement instead of the fiftieth year of our settle- 
ment. Those wdio have grown up under the instructions of him wdiose 
jubilee is held to-day, and whose good fortune it was to be educated in 
childhood to revere the ministers of God for their work's sake, have 
peculiar remembrances as they gather around their venerable pastor 
to-day. The imagination of youth conspired with parental instruction, 
and led me to suppose that my pastor was, both physically and intel- 
lectually, a remarkably great man. His frame looked taller and his 
words appeared more weighty than those of other men. When in the 
capacity of school committee he told me, in connection with fellow 
pupils, that I made rather too much noise with my feet, I verily thought 
that all " original" and ^^ actual" sin lay in the feet, which would kick 
in the school-house, almost against the determinations of the will ; and 
it seemed to me a very profound logic which assured us that a good 
many little noises made one tremendous girat one. 

The reverential feelings of piously educated children towards their 
ministers are most -^^alutary ; and even manhood is somewhat awed in 
its waywardness when it finds itself standing again in the presence of 
the ministry of its childhood. I rejoice to-day in the continued life and 
health of our venerable father in the ministry. I heartily sympathize 
with all that has been said of his hale and youthful appearance. I 
will close with this sentiment : 

The venerable Senior Pastor of this Church. Should he live to attend 



4^ 

lire Jubilee of tlie Junior Pastor (a=; hinted by Dr. Cleveland.) it is t© 
be presumed that lie will not be a whit older, ihun when, thirty years 
^o-o, he made the marks in Br. Smalley's Latin Grammar. 

The President of the Day, noticing that the father of the last speaker 
ttood beside him during the otfering of the remarks, observed, the 
moment they were through — 

We have heard a gi-eat deal from our clerical friends, but little from 
those of other callinys ; whereu[;on Gln. PpwESTon Pond said: 

Mr. President I, as you know, am a shoemaker and ther-e is an 
•evident propriety in my following gentlemen of the clerical profes- 
sion; — in fact there is a more intimate connection between the last 
speaker and myself than might be suppo^el, even by those wIk) know 
our relationship — for we are alike sedulous in our care for the ^mil$ 
(soles) of our fellow-men ; and moreover, Sir, we labor with all (awl) 
^and hold on to the last. 

Instead of making a speech, I will, with 3-our permission, offer as a 
ientiment : 

77ie tico she-hears we read of in the Old Testament. May we be 
admonished by the fate of the forty-and-two children who were torn in 
pieces, not to say to onr prophet Elisha, ^' Go up, thou bald head," for 
ihis would be not only an expression of <;ontempt, but a lie. For our 
Elisha^s hair appears precisely the same it did fifty years ago. Every 
particular hair is combed straight back, ju>t as it was then, M'ithout any 
variableness or shadow of turning ; furnishing an exact index of his 
preaching during this whole period-, and of the unchangeable couree of 
his ministerial proceedings. 

The next toast given was this: 

Our Junior Pastor. We will keep him as long as we have our Sen- 
ior Pastor, if he will behave as well. 

Ret. Mr. James acknowledged the compliment in a few words, bat 
«aid he was by no means ready to make such a promise as this. He 
could give no pledges of good behavior. There was danger that he 
might not fulfil them. It was, however, his purpose to "behave" as 
well as he could, taking for his standard no particular individual, but 
trying to follow every good example- And if the people should con- 
tinue to treat him as kindly and considerately as they had ever <ione, 
bearing with his faults, excusing his weaknesses, forgiving his short- 
comings, and cooperating with him for the welfare of society and the 
church, he could see no end to their union but death itself. He knew 
not whether it would be so, and had no solicitude on the point. The 
morrow should take thought for the things of itself. For the present, 
he was contented, more than contented, — happy; truly so, in his con- 
nection with the peo})le, in his enjoyment of their confidence and affec- 
tion, and in the belief that God was making him useful. 

Rev. Tertius D. Southwortu, of Franklin, was called upon by 
the Chair to favor us with remarks. AVho replied — 

Sir, at this late hour, I will not attempt a speech, but I give you this 
ientiraent : The Associated Pastors of Wrenthom : Moses and Josliua. 
As to the Senior, if we cannot truly say, *' his eye is not dim," yet can 
5 



50 

we not say, "his natural force is not abated?" As to the Junior, 
*'And Joshua, the son of Nun, was full of the spirit of wisdom ; for 
Moses had laid his hands upon him: and the children of Israel heark- 
ened unto him, and did as the Lord commanded Moses." 

Samuel Warner, Jr., Esq., then gave the following, to call out the med- 
ical profession : 

Those who look after the interests of our souls have spoken ; but 
those who heal our bodies have said nothing. 

Dr. William W. Comstock, of Wrentham, responded to the call 
in a happy manner, and somewhat as follows ; 

Mr. President. The extreme lateness of the hour precludes the pos- 
sibility of any thing like a speech from me, on this occasion. Indeed, 
Sir, what could I say which would speak half as plainly and intelligibly 
of the feelings of this community, as the hundred joyous countenances 
assembled here this afternoon, to mingle their sympathies and manifest 
their respect for our venerable friend, whose Jubilee we are met to cel- 
ebrate ? 

Sir, in his fifty years' residence in this place, he has been intimately 
associated wdth a large portion of the individuals assembled in this hall 
during the whole period of their lives. With all of whom he has been 
a constant participator in all their joys and sorrows ; while to many he 
has not only administered the waters of the first sacrament, but has also 
taken cognizance of their nuptial vows. And now, Sir, with these rec- 
ollections all clustering freshly around their memories, they have come 
up here this afternoon, to do reverence to their pastor, and honor to the 
man. Had time permitted, Mr. President, I w^ould have been glad to 
say somewhat on the relationship and intercourse which ever has, and 
in enlightened communities ever must, subsist, between the profession 
to which our Jubilant belongs, and that of which I claim to be so hum- 
ble a member ; as well as something of the relative duties which each 
owes to the otber. But, Sir, as it would be ungenerous to occupy more 
time at this late hour, I will give you, if you please, for a sentiment: 

The three learned Professions. United as they are by a common bond 
of intellectual and moral culture, their only rivalry should be an hon- 
orable competition for moral and intellectual excellence. 

Mr. James then remarked — 

Sir, it is on all hands admitted that we have had a delightful voyage 
to-day ; and we are indeed fortunate, now at its conclusion, in coming 
to our " desired Haven^ 

This brought back Rey. Joseph Haven, Jr., of Brookline, who 
was on the point of leaving the hall. 

He remarked that he had greatly enjoyed the occasion, and he had 
come to this place prepared with a speech, as requested by the Commit- 
tee of Invitation. But most unfortunately for himself he had lost it. 
It was a good speech, a heautifid speech, a very flowery speech, but he 
and it had parted company. It was a speech, said he, which must have 
taken well with this audience. It would have been in good odor, and 
thought to be in good taste, I am sure. The ladies would have admired 
it. (The speaker referred to the vase of flowers he had brought from 
Brookline, which a friend now held up in the sight of the assembly.) 



51 

But, Sir, the 1o?s of my speech is not the only thing in which I am 
disappointed. I came here to attend a Jubilee^ to see an old gentleman 
who has spent a I talf- century \s\\\\ this people, and hear him tell the 
tale o'i fifty years, I caaie to see his bent form, his snowy locks, and 
limbs tottering on the s^x^^ of the grave. Now I confess, Sir, I have 
looked in vain for any such person, and I am quite disposed to believe 
there is some deception about the matter. I fear, Sir, this Jubilee 
is a mere sham. The good people of Wrentham are inclined to make 
merry at our expense. Mr. President, I am ready to believe any 
thing that is of itself credible. But here is a smart-appearing, hale, 
erect gentleman, somewhat in years, who has preached to us to-day, 
and told us about things "lang syne," who now sits in the desk by your 
side, but surely, no one takes him for an octogenarian. We are cer- 
tainly played ivith. All the speakers have testified that he always ap- 
peared to them very much as he does at present, and for myself, Sir, I 
am about convinced that we have all been hoaxed. No person here 
has testified that he saw him ordained in the last century. He carCi 
prove it, Sir ; and I say again, it must be that we have been hoaxed/ 

Mr. Haven concluded amid roars of laughter, in which Mr. Fisk 
heartily joined. 

A toast was given complimentary to Professor Handel Pond, who 
conducted the music on this occasion, both at the public services and at 
the collation, in a highly satisfactory manner. He replied in brief 
terms, and closed with a sentiment, which was not distinctly heard by 
the reporter, but was understood to imply that somebody, we are left 
to guess who, was born in 1769, the same year with Napoleon Bona- 
parte, and other distinguished personages. Our reporter deserves to 
be censured for his remissness. 

The exercises at the Collation were closed by singing, in **01d Hun- 
dred," the following stanzas ; 

Be thou, God, exalted high; 
And as thy glory fills the sky, 
So let it be on earth displayed, 
Till thou art here as there obeyed. 

Eternal are thy mercies, Lord, 

Eternal truth attends thy word ; 

Thy praise shall sound from shore to shore. 

Till suns shall rise and set no more. 

The Song which follows was kindly furnished by a clerical friend, in 
honor of the occasion, but did not come to hand in season to be sung at 
the Jubilee. The author has our thanks for this contribution of hi* 
pen, as well as for the words that fell from his lips at the Collation. 

A SONG OF KANSOMED SOULS, 

In commemoration of the Semi- Centennial Celebration of the settlement of 
Rev. Elisha Fisk, at AVrentham, June 12, 1849. 

Wake ! Spirits, wake ! and hear 
Those notes of joy on earth ! 



62 



A festal day returns, — 

!Meii celebrate the morn 

"When one of God's elect 

Was placed on Salem's tower?, 

To watcii for souls, / When evils come, 

Aiid cry aloud, j Or dangers throng. 

And thou, man of God, 

Tiiou, listen to o>n' song, 

'J'he song of ranson-.ed ones, 

Kedeemed by Christ's own blood, 

And rescued' by His word, 

The word of truth and grace, 

As preached by thee, | Upon our souls, 

And bpirit-seaied j To cleanse Irom sin. 

We sing the song of heaven ; 

The wonders of God's grace; — 

We sing these crowns of life, 

Won by His matchless love; — 

We sing of ransomed souls. 

Fast by the throne of God, 

Waiting above, / Seals of thine own,— 

To welcome thee ; — I Stars for thy crown. 

Thou faithful hast been found. 

These two-score years and ten ; 

A Servant tried, and true 

In all required of thee; 

Ambassador ibr God, 

lieseeching men, I To turn from sin, 

lu place of Him, ) And trust His grace. 

Then strike with us thy h're, 

Put on thy strength anew; 

Look back upon the past,5 

And on to glory too; — 

See ransomed souls above, 

See ransomed souls below, 

With heait and voice, I In songs of prais© 

Unite their lays, j On this glad day. 

Our work on earth is done, — 

7 oil yet remains for thee ; 

Wt chant our liymns of praise,— 

TIkiu still on earth must pray. t 

But wait, a few short years, 

The time appointed tiiee, 

Then glad we'll come, [ To bear thee up 

An angel baud. 



The Letters that follow, with many others which we have not space 
to publish, were rece ved in answer to invitations to attend the Jubilee. 
They are addressed to Rev. Mr. James, as being Committee of Corres- 
pondence on behalf of the Committee of Arrangements. 
Besides those letters inserted, otiiers were received from 
Rev. Jonathan Leavitt, of Providence. Rev. Wm. Leavitt, of New- 
ton Corner. Rev. Daniel Butler, of Westborough. Rev. Eli Thurs- 
ton, of Fall River. Rev. L. H. Angier, of Medfbrd. Rev. Jonathan 
Edwards, of Woburn. Rev. David Dyer, of Dorchester Village. 
Rev. A. C. Thompson, of Roxbury. Rev. A. H. Reed, of Mendon. 
Rev. S. W. Hanks, of Lowell. Rev. H. D. Walker, of East Abing- 
ton. Alfred Evans, Esq., of Boston. Wm. H. Long, Esq., of Rox- 



53 

bury. E. L. Childs, E?q., of Henniker, N. H. Hon. Horace Mann, 
West Newton. Plon. Wm. Baylies, AVest Bridgewater. Hon. Orin 
Fowler, Fall River, Rev. J. Ferguson, Whately. 



New Braintree, July 13th, 1849. 

Rev. Horace James — Dear Sir: — Propriety requires that an 
answer should be returned to your very kind and polite request, " in 
behalf of the Committee of Arrangements," that I would attend the 
Semi-Centennial Anniversary of my friend and namesake, the Rev. E. 
Fisk. To tell you the truth, your letter did not reach me until the 
last day in June. It was ibrwarded from Braintree, where it might 
have been allowed to continue for several weeks. Mr. Fisk spoke to 
me upon the subject in Boston, on our anniversary week. I then 
felt it would be quite uncertain whether I should be able to attend. 
But upon the receipt of your letter, such were the feelings awakened 
in view of the occasion, that it seemed to me, if I could have placed 
myself back to the time of meeting, I should have endeavored to 
put all obstacles aside. Although I could have added little to the 
interest of the occasion, by anything I could have said, yet the presence 
of one more " of the few'' who are spared in a ministry of fifty years, 
might of itself have given rise to some thought or feeling, which did not 
exist. It has occupied my thoughts the more, as it seems, from existing 
circumstances, that these occasions will hereafter be very unfrequent, 
unless the churches change their course of action. 

I have been happy to learn, from various sources, that the scene was 
quite interesting at Wrentham : a large concourse being present, and the 
Sermon and Speeches appropriate. Please, Sir, present my respects and 
congratulations to Mr. Fisk, and say, I hope I may not only hear of 
his Discourse, but, through his favor, be allow^ed to read it. 
Accept, Sir, for yourself, ray sincere regards. 

Yours, truly, John Fiske. 



Georgetown^ June 8th, 1849. 

Rey. and Dear Sir : — Please accept my thanks for yourself, and 
the other gentlemen of the Committee of Arrangements, for your and 
their polite request to be present at the Semi-Centennial Celebration of 
the Rev. Mr. Fisk's ministry in Wrentliam. It would give me sincere 
plear,ure to witness the scene, and to afford what little help I might be 
able, did circun'Stances permit. It must be highly interesting to yourself, 
to your venera])le colleague, and to the people who have so long enjoyed 
his faithful miustrations of the word of life, and the ordinances of our 
holy religion. Doubtless, the assisting clergymen, and the numerous spec- 
tators on tlie occasion, will be partakers of the joy. This joy I must 
beg leave, though reluctantly, to deny myself. To a considerable de- 
gree I feel the infirmities of age, being within a month of seventy-nine 
years. The distance and inconvenience of leaving home, must be taken 
into the account. 

I have not had the pleasure of a particular personal a'^quaintance with 
Mr. Fisk, but from reputation have been led to consider him an able, 

6* 



54 

sound and worthy divine, and wise to win souls to his blessed Lord and 
Master. That he may yet live and be useful many years, and that his 
colleague may enjoy a life equally long, respectable, and conducive to 
the up-building of the Redeemer's kingdom, and that we may all meet 
in the world of glory at the great and last day, is the prayer of, dear 
Sir, Yours truly, Isaac Braman. 



North BroolfieU, June 9th, 1849. 
Dear Sir: — Your favor of the 4th inst., I received Friday evening, 
having been absent through the week. 1 thank you for the polite invi- 
tation extended to rae by the gentlemen Committee, to be present at the 
contemplated Semi- Centennial Celebration in your place on the 12th inst. 
But previous engagements will probably prevent my attendance. I 
hope that it may be a i)leasant and memorable meeting, to the Senior 
Pastor, Church and People, and to all who may have opportunity to 
attend the Festivities of the occasion. 

Yours, with due respect, 

Thomas Snell. 



Andover, June 11th, 1849. 
My Dear Friend and Brother : — It would afford me great 
pleasure to be with you to-monow. I have long known Brother Fisk, 
and have esteemed and loved him ; and should be greatly gratified to 
unite with his friends on such an interesting occasion. He has been in 
the ministry the same number of years with me, only I was ordained 
six months before him. He has had a successful and happy ministry: 
and lam persuaded that the grace of Christ will be with him, living and 
dying. Give my sincerest regards to him. 

I am, very affectionately your brother, 

Leonard Woods. 
P. S. I have this morning returned from a journey, and my engage- 
ments are such as to prevent my being present with you to-morrow. 
Rev. H. James. 



Leicester, June 9th, 1849. 

Rev. Mr. James — Dear Sir: — I have been waiting for cir^ 
cumstnnces, to determine whether I could be present at the Semi- Centen- 
nial Celebration in Wrentham or not, till I fear this will not reach you 
before the occasion shall have passed by. 

I find that I cannot consistently leave home next week. I certainly 
regret this, as I wish to show my respect to the venerable Pastor, whom 
I remember from early lite, and to enjoy the occasion. 

Accept my thanks for your kind invitation to me and my family to 
be with you. Assure Mr. F. of my regrets, that I cannot in person 
express the interest I feel in him and in the day ; that, I trust, will b» 
highly interesting to all. 

Very truly and cordially yours, 

John Nelsok. 



65 

Braintree^ June 7th, 1849. 

Rev. Mr. James — My Deak Sir : — Your note of the 4th instant , 
conveying, a kind invitation to the Semi-Centennial Celebration of the 
12th instant, was received this morning. Be assured that 1 iiighly ap- 
preciate the honor thereby done me, and should gratefully accept the 
invitation, but for a previous engagement on that day. The principle 
on which it has ever been my aim to act, is the very simple one of fore- 
going ^/eas^<ra&/e indulgences at the demand o{ duty ; and that principle 
requires the sacrifice of the \eYy great pleasure of meeting my vene- 
rated and highly honored friend and father, your colleague, on an occa- 
sion of the liveliest interest to him, and thousands who have shared the 
blessings of his ministry — as also, of meeting you and many other dear 
brethren in Christ, whose faces I always love to see in the flesh, and 
whose society I hope, though unworthy, to share in that brighter world, 
where semi-centennial celebrations will be exchanged for an everlasting 
feast of love and joy. 

My most cordial salutations to the beloved " Senior Pastor," with the 
earnest piayer, that his last days may be his best days ; and accept for 
the Junior Pastor every assurance of the high esteem and tender 
affection of your much obliged 

Brother in Christ, R. S. Storks. 



Monson, June, 12th, 1849. 

Rev. Mr. James — Dear Sir: — I received last evening your 
letter of the 1st instant, conveying an invitation to attend the Semi-Cen- 
tennial Celebration of the ministry of your colleague, the Pev. Mr. 
Fisk. It would afford me much pleasure to be present and join in the 
solemnities of the occasion, but the late hour in which I received the 
invitation and previous engagements, will not permit. 

I beg you to present my thanks to Mr. Fisk and the Committee for 
this expression of regard. 

Few attain to the ministry of fifty years, and fewer retain, during 
that period, the affectionate confidence of a people, and have their use- 
fulness continued. Very many things cluster around such an occasion 
to render it deeply interesting and important, and though not permitted 
to be present, I hope to be favored with an account of the doings, and 
the privilege of reading the Sermon. 

May the great Head of the Church be present to bless the exercises 
for the spiritual good of both pastors and people. 

Let the aged pastor never fail to receive the affection, and reverencej. 
and sympathy of all, especially of the young. 

With great respect, and with Christian affection, 

I am, dear sir, yours, &c., A. Ely. 



Brown University, June 9th, 1849. 
Rev. and Dear Sir: — I received your very acceptable letter last 
•renmg. I beg you to return to the Committee my grateful acknowl- 



56 

edgments for the honor of their invitation, and express to them my 
regret that an engagement at the Hospital for the Insane, on Tuesday, 
will deprive me of the pleasure of uniting with them on the interesting 
occasion on that day. 

In the sincere hope that the day may be one of unmixed pleasure, 
and that the spirit of the Pilgrims may be gloriously renewed, I re- 
main, My dear Sir, yours most truly, 

F. Wayland. 

Rev. Horace James. 



Dedkam, June lltb, 1849. 
Rev. and Dear Sir : — I find that I shall not be present at your 
Celebration to-morrow, to see a minister and a people who have borne 
with each other's infirmities for half a century. But as there are other 
good works besides hearing good sermons and eating good dinners, I 
will venture to whisper in the ear, when your hearts are full and gen- 
erous around the table : 

1. That w^e make a donation of $100 to the Senior Pastor, of which 
I will pay $10. 

2. That he be earnestly requested to prepare for the press a volume 
of his excellent Sermons, not less than fifty in number ; one for each 
year of his ministry, of which the Semi-Centennial Sermon shall b» 
one ; and for this volume I subscribe for ten copies. 

Very respectfully, with Christian salutations, 

E. Burgess. 



Andover, June 9th, 1849. 

Rev. H. James — Dear Sir: — Your letter of invitation to the 
approaching Jubilee of your venerable colleague, is received ; and it is a 
self-denial to me not to come, but professional duties forbid. I feel an 
unusual interest in your village, in its people, and its history. Honored 
relatives of mine reside there, and my natural descent is in the line of 
one of your pr 3decessors in the Pastoral office. 

Allow me to express the hope that the Sermon will be printed ; and 
also to suggest the propriety of publishing a volume of sermons, by 
the former pastors of your ancient church, selected from such manu- 
scripts as can now be obtained. Short biographical sketches might be 
added, or any other relevant matter which would increase the value of 
the volume. Discourses written by such men as Mann, Messinger, 
Beane, and Avery, and the present pastors of the church, would be 
read with great interest by many, not only in Wrentham, but else- 
r.'here. Would not every family, and almost every individual in your 
\illage, desire to possess a specimen of the style and manner of thought 
after which the religious opinions and habits of their ancestry wxre 
formed ? 

Will not the Junior Pastor take this subject into consideration, and,. 



67 

at some suitable time, edit a volume of this nature, to be caller!, per- 
haps, The Wrentham Pulpit. With kind regards to Mr. Fisk and 
yoursjelf, 1 have the honor to be, if not 

A son, at least a grandson of 

Wrenlham. 

E. A. Pakk. 



Phjmpton, June 8th, 1849. 

Rev. and Deati Brother : — I have the honor to acknowledge your 
invitation to be with you on an occasion of so much interest as the 
Semi-Centennial Celebration to be held at Wrentham, on the 12th inst. 
Accept my thanks for the invitation. Let me assure you that it would 
give me great pleasure to be present, and take some humble part in the 
services, as you suggest. Previous arrangements will render it wholly 
inconsistent for me to be present. Tender my best regards to ray aged 
brother, on whose account the day is to be celebrated. In tlie mean 
time allow me to state, through the Committee of Arrangements, to the 
great gathering I anticipate will be there, a few items, upon which I 
might dilate if I were present. I would briefly state my views of the 
causes of a changing, in opposition to a permanent ministry. A min- 
ister of the Gospel, for I speak of no other, finds his rotary motion 
in relation to the place of his labor in some or all of the fo.lowing par- 
ticulars : 

1. Ignorance of human nature in its various phases, changing like 
the moon, and as destitute of hght ; governed by no fixed laws, except 
the law of passion and selfishness. Brethren in this situation always 
find trouble, and often great trouble, and they must leave to be out of 
the way of it. 

2. The want of self-government, " A man of God must not strive. "^ 

3. A want of personal economy in his worldly transactions ; great 
perplexity arising from the non-fulfilment of parochial promises. He 
ha^ depended upon his salary to meet his engagements, and is disap- 
pointed and tried. He hastily resolves to leave, not taking into the 
account, that human nature everywhere is the same, and man the same 
disappointing agent. 

4. A neglect of professional duties, especially his study, so as to feed 
the church of God wnth bread and understanding. " Give thyself 
wholly to the work ; teach all nations." 

0. Prudence in the g:)vernaient of the Church; without partiality in 
the exercise of sympathy or weakness, is sometimes grea ly wanting. 
It leads to divisions. But the fault does not always lie at the minis- 
ter's door. The churches and the people have their freaks, and will 
perplex and tease such men as Job and Solomon, and drive a ^ood man 
from among them. " Am I become your enemy because I tell you th» 
truth ?" 

6. The system of inviting evangelists and revival preachers, so 
called, can hardly fail to diniinisli the pastor in the eyi.^,> of a ))ortion of 
the church and ])eoi)le, and seldom fails to divide iheni. Advice ig 
•ecretly given, if you want a revival you must dismiss your minister* 
" Come and see my zeal for the Lord." 



58 

7. A finding fault with the preaching. If it be doctrinal, it is cold 
ftnd speculative ; if practical, it is too ])ointed at particular individuals ; 
eo that a " man of God, set to show unto men the way of salvation," 
must not preach fully eitiier doctrine or duty, if lie would please. 
Many an able preacher has been compelled to leave and find another 
home. 

8. We have heard this man as long as we wish. He has the same 
voice, the same tones and manner, the same doctrines, and the same 
round of services. They lose their inteiest in liirn, and lie must leave. 
This is an high encomium on any minister, that he has not changed in 
these changing times. 

9. The opinion entertained, that the usefulness of a minister has coma 
to an end. 

I am affectionately yours, Elijah Dexter. 



Ahington, June 11th, 1849. 

Rey. it. James : — Permit me to express to your Committee of Ar- 
rangements my thanks for the honor they have done me in extending 
me an invitation, through^you, to attend the Semi-Centennial Celebration 
in Wrentham ; and my regret that my engagements are such that I 
must be denied the pleasure of being present. The occasion is one of 
deep interest, and one which, under the present moveable ministry, is not 
likely hereafter to occur very frequently in New England. All honor 
to si2M\Q pastors and &{^h\Q, people. To the unstable they are as gold to 
quicksilver. AVishing you a joyous celebration for your much-honored 
colleague, and a similar one ibr yourself in due time, I subscribe my- 
■elf, yours, most respectfully, James W. Ward. 

Rev. H. James, for the Committee of Arrangements. 



Boston, June 7th, 1849. 

Rev. H. James — Dear Sir : — Yours of the 4th, on behalf of the 
Committee of Arrangements for the Semi-Centennial Celebration on the 
12th instant, inviting me, with my family and fiiends, to be present at 
that interesting occasion, was duly received. Be assured, my dear Sir, 
that it would afford me great pleasure to be able to comply with your 
kind and polite invitation, and I very much regret that a previous and 
important official engagement will deprive me of that pleasure. 

May a kind Providence smile benignly upon the occasion, and upon 
all who may participate in its interesting services, and especially upon 
our friend and father, whose Serai-Centennial Jubilee you celebrate. 

The following sentiment, if appropriate, is at your service : 

The half Century. The fifty years which the Senior Pastor has 
ipent with this people — in respect to important events, discoveries, 
and improvements in almost every branch of enterprise, knowledge and 
benevolence — may be regarded as the half century in our world's 
history. 

Very truly yours, Asa Bullard, 



59 

Pawtucket, June 6th, 1849. 

Rev. and DeaPw Stk : — Your very kind invitation to be present at 
your Semi-Centennial Celebration is received. I regret exceedingly that 
a previous engagement will prevent me from attending. Our Consocia- 
tion meets on that driy. My short dinner speech should be : 

" Tempus irreparahile fugit.'' May the Junior Pastor serve as long 
as his Senior has, and both receive the reward of faithful ministers of 
Jesus Christ. 

Accept, dear Sir, ray thanks for your polite invitation, for yourself 
and the Committee for wliom you act. 

Very truly, yours, C. Blodgett. 

Gharlestown, June 6th, 1849. 

Dear Sir : — I have the honor to acknowledge the reception of your 
favor of the 4th instant, inviting me, in the name of the Committee of 
Arrangements, to be present at the Semi-Centennial Celebration of your 
venerable colleague's settlement. I regret to find that a previous en- 
gagement of a public character, for Tuesday next, will render it impos- 
sible for me to be present on that day. It is the more a source of regret 
to me, as it would have afforded me unfeigned pleasure to witness the 
festivities of an occasion, which I cannot but hope will serve to 
strengthen and to hallow the pastoral tie, not only among your own 
people, but in our churches generally. May it be a season of sacred 
delight and extensive usefulness ; and though I cannot be present on 
this occasion, I hope I may live to witness the next — in November, 
1893 ! Very truly, your brother, 

w. i. budington. 

Rev. H. James. 



Taunton, June 12th, 1849. 
Rev. and dear Sir : — I acknowledge the receipt of a communi- 
cation from you, on behalf of the Committee of Arrangements, inviting 
me to participate in the interesting proceedings this day in Wrentham. 
Providentially prevented from complying with this kind invitation, 
permit me to wish you, my dear Sir, your venerable associate in the, 
pastoral office, ycur people, and the many friends who, I doubt not 
will be with you, abundant joy and profit in the occasion. The Pas- 
torate of the Preacher carries us back to a preceding century. One of 
the ministers of Taunton, in the last century, the seventh from its set- 
tlement, was once located in that part of Wrenthara now called Frank- 
lin, the immediate predecessor of the immortal Emmons. I refer to 
Rev. Caleb Barnum, a minister, as tradition informs us, of '' com- 
manding appearance, of dignified deportment, of pleasing, affable 
manners, uniting the paternal mildness of the clergyman with the 
grace and polish of the gentleman." Mr. Barnum was not only a 
preacher but a patriot. He periled, and at length lost his life, 
whilst serving as a chaplain in the Revolutionary struggle. On the 
approach of death, he was questioned as to the goodness of the Ameri- 
can cause, in which he had been engaged, and by means of which be 



60 

was about to die ; lie replied : " I have no dovht of the Justice and 
goodness of that cause, and had I a thousand lives, I should b« 
willing to lay them all down in it." 

There is no danger of bearing our fathers in too frequent remera- 
brance. Nor can we prize too highly thor-e hoary heads, and venera- 
ble forms, which remind us of the " ancient days." " The Lord our 
God be with w.«, as He v/as with our fathers. Let him not leave us, nor 
forsake us. That He may incline our hearts unto Him, to walk in all 
His ways, and to keep His commandments, and His statutes and hit 
Judgments, which he commanded our fathers.'* 

Yours, in the faith of the Gospel, 

S. Hopkins Emery, 
Bev. Horace James, Wreniham. 



Brown University y June 11th, 1849. 

Rev. and Dear Sir : — I have but this day received your very kind 
letter of the 8th instant, inviting me, on the part of the Committee of 
Arrangements, to be present at the delivery of the " half century sermon" 
of the Rev. Mr. Fisk, to take place to-morrow. Nothing, I assure you, 
would give me greater pleasure than to accept your invitation. What 
is more delightful to behold, than a minister and people, who in these 
days of change, have cooperated together for a half a century ; and are 
now, by appropriate services, about to commemorate this long and 
happy union ? It is a rare occasion, which I would gladly honor as it 
deserves, but my engagements for the day positively put it out of my 
power to be present. 

You mention the fact, that Mr. Fisk was once a Tutor in this Insti- 
tution. The town of Wrentham sho\ved an early friendship for this 
College, and has sent hither many students who have left on its records, 
and who have also borne with them, honorable testimonials of their in- 
dustry, scholarship, and worth, and who, in after life, in their several 
professions, have reflected honor upon their Alma Mater. 

Allow me to propose the following sentiment, I trust neither untrue 
nor unsuited to the occasion : 

The Graduates of Brown University, from the Town of Wrentham. 
May they show themselves in time to come, as in times past, to be men 
of sound learning, and good morals, and the friends of " soul Liberty ; " 
and to many of them may it be permitted to follow the example of tb« 
venerable Fisk, in preaching a half-century sermon. 
With sentiments of respect, 

I am your obedient and humble servant, 

A. Caswell. 
Ebv. Horace James, 



Providence, June 11th, 1849. 

Mt Dear Sir: — I did not receive, until Saturday your kind in^i- 
dation to myself and family to attend a " Semi-Centennial Celebration* 
on th« 12th inst., and bear a half century sermon from the Re v. Elisba 



61 

Fisk. It would give me great pleasure, I assure you, to be present, 
but circumstances must deprive me of that gratification. 

Although a half century has now elapsed, I have a most vivid 
recolleclion of Mr. F.'s ordination, and of many incidents attending it, 
and it would be a source of great pleasure to hear him «z:ive an account 
of his "stewardship," and recount such events as he might deem proper, 
which have taken place in connection with his Gospel ministry during 
that period. I have always entertained the highest respect for him as 
a minister of Christ, laboring to fulfil the duties of his calling, and much 
regret I cannot make it convenient to come to Wrentham on this very 
interesting occasion. 

It is now more than forty years since I have resided in my native 
town, but I never visit it without a thrill of pleasure, and whispering 
to myself, " this is my own, my native landr 

Should any sentiments be offered at the festive board allow me to 
offer the following, from the inspired pen of the Psalmist : 

Old Wrentham. " If I forget thee let my right hand forget her 
cunning." 

Hoping, dear Sir, you may be blessed in all your ministerial labors, 
accept the assurance of my high consideration, and believe me very 
respectfully your obedient servant, Benjamin Cowell. 

Rev. Horace James. 



Boston, June 11th, 1849. 

My Dear Sir : — Your favor of the 6th instant, inviting me to at- 
tend the Serai-Centennial Celebration, to be held on Tuesday, the 12th 
instant, was duly received. It would afford me very sincei-e satisfaction 
to attend this celebration, both on account of the pleasure I should be 
sure to derive from meeting old friends in Wrentham, and of the 
earnest desire I feel to evince my great respect and regard for the 
venerable gentlemen, the Senior Pastor of the church in that place. 
But official engagements will necessarily prevent my attending. 

I hope the occasion will be one long remembered with pleasure and 
profit by those who attend it. 

With thanks to the Committee of Arrangements for their gratifying 
invitation, I am, dear Sir, Yery respectfnlly. 

Your obedient servant, . 

Rev. Horace James. George C. Wilde. 



Boston, June 11th, 1848. 
My Dear Sir : — Your favor of the 4th, was duly received, extend- 
ing to myself and family an invitation to be present to-morrow, to join 
in your Semi-Centennial Celebration ; and I regret to find that business 
engagements will depi-ive me of the pleasure. I thought, until very 
recently, that I should be able to be with you on the occasion referred 
to, or I should have written you before. 

Please present my kind regards to Mr. Fisk, and believe me. 

Yours, very truly, 
Rev. H. James. Bradford Sumner, 

6 



62 

Fall River, June 11th, 1849. 
Dear Sir: — Be pleased to accept my thanks, with the acknowleclg- 
ment of the receipt oi' yowY kind note, inviting me to be present at your 
forthcoming Celebration to-morrow. I have many inducements that 
would lead to its acceptance, if I had the power of option ; but I have 
not. Our Court sits for business that day, and I must attend its sitting. 
"With the Rev. Gentleman who is to take the leading part in the per- 
formances of the day I have been for years acquainted, and with some 
of the members of his fauiily for a longer period, and with greater inti- 
macy. For each and all I have great kindness and respect. The 
scene, too, will be one of no ordinary interest. The speaker will ad- 
dress an audience composed, in part, of the children, grandchildren, and 
perhaps great grandchildren, of those who, half a century gone bye, 
invited him to the work of the ministry, and witnessed and took part in 
the solemnities of his ordination and consecration to the great work to 
which the vigor of his manhood and the strength of his declining years 
have been devoted. The occasion will brino; to him a tiironij, not of 
" thick-coming fancies," but of recollections, variegated as the incidents 
of life, and moving deeply all the springs of human passion and emo- 
tion. Connected with the place, too, and its history, are many subjects 
which will add to the interest of the occasion. It would afford me 
great gratification to witness the transactions of the day, but it is a 
pleasure I cannot partake of. 

I am, with great respect, and renewed thanks for your politeness, 
Your obedient servant, 0. J. Holmes. 



Randolph, June 9th, 1849. 

Rev. Horace James — My Dear Sir : — Please accept for your- 
self and the Committee of Arrangements my grateful acknowledgments 
for your kind invitation to myself and family to be present at the Semi- 
centennial Celebration to be held in Wrentham on the 12th instant. 

I regret that a previous engagement, to attend a Sabbath School Con- 
vention at South Braintree on that day, will prevent me from availing 
myself of your hospitality, and participating in the religious services 
and festivities of the occasion. 

Please present my kind regards to the Rev. Mr. Fisk, whom I have 
long known as a faithful minister, and the friend and patron of every 
enterprise adapted to honor God and promote the happiness of man. 
And alloAv me to add my earnest hope that his successor may live as 
long, and be even more successful as an ambassador for God, and 
preach his Semi-Centenial in a ripe old age. 
Very respectfully, 

Your obedient servant, Ebenezer Alden. 



Some short extracts from the secular and religious papers, will close 
the account of this celebration. 



******* The Address of Mr. Fisk was a history of himself* 
the church and the people {qy fifty years. It was well written, and de- 
livered distinctly and with a good deal of eloquence. He spoke for an 
hour and fifty minutes without any apparent weariness to himself or the 
crowded audience. 

********** Toasts were read by the Junior Pastor, the 
Rev. Horace James, which called out a number of gentlemen for 
speeches. For three hours there was a spirited emanation of wit and 
eloquence. I cannot report the speeches, nor even give you a synopsis 
of them, but when I tell you who spoke, you will feel assured we had an 
intellectual treat of no ordinary richness. 

***** Yvl the evening, Mrs. James, the accomplished Lady of 
the Junior Pastor, held a levee, which was attended by a large number 
of the bright and active, whose energies had not been exhausted by the 
labors of the day, among w^iom Mr. Fisk appeared as fresh and active 
as any. Mr. Poor, th' veteran Missionary, was there, receiving, dur- 
ing the evening the special attention of the ladies. The piano was 
made to " discourse most excellent music," and a few sweet and culti- 
vated voices delighted the company with the best songs of the day. 

Rev. Horace James, the Junior Pastor, and his Lady, were efficient 
and active in the whole affiiir, from beginning to end. Li fact, it was 
the subject of much remark and commendation that they should with 
such a hearty good will, seek to do everything that could be done, 
to render successful this tribute of love and respect to their Senior. 

The whole affair has been entirely successful from beginning to end, 
and cannot fail of leaving a pleasant and lasting impression with Mr. 
Fisk and his excellent family. — Bos' on Post. 

The 12th instant was an interesting day at TVrentham. Fifty Years 
were then completed, since the ordination of the Rev. Elisha Fisk over 
the Church and Society there. During this long period, he has labored 
almost without interruption by sickness, and never, that I can remember, 
or have heard of, taking any respite, by journeying or otherwise, from 
the active duties of the ministry ; and he labored alone, until five years 
ago, when an able, working colleague was settled with him. It is a 
peculiar feature of this long ministry of Mr. Fisk, and speaks volumes 
in his praise, that there has, for all this time, been no division of his 
church or society ; no creation of any new church, nor the erection of 
any other house of worship in his parish. There has been a diversity 
of opinion at times, and some animated controversy ; but Mr. Fisk has 
guided the discordant elements with a judicious hand. The deep-seated 
regard and reverence for him, felt by the people, contributed largely to 
the maintenance of peace, and made his position at all times strong. 

***** jjg spoke an hour and fifty minutes with energy and 
distinctness, and was listened to with undimished interest to the last. 
Midway in his discourse he paused for a few moments, when the choir 
sung an exceeding rich anthem, composed expressly for the occasion by 
Professor Handel Pond. 

In the evening, Mrs. James, the lady of the Junior Pastor, held a 
levee at her house, which was attended by a large number of Ladies 



64 

and gentlemen of the town, and from abroad. It was the source of 
general and deep regret, that the excellent ladj of Mr. Fisk was pre- 
vented by sickness from taking part in this interesting celebration. His 
two sons were absent. But his three daughters were there, with their 
husbands and childi-en, to witness, with hearts overflowing with emotion, 
this strong manifestation by the people, of their love and respect for 
their venerable parent. It was the verdict of the people with whom, 
and for whom he had labored fifty years, saying, " Well done, good and 
faithful servant!" and as a sti-ong expression of undimiuisiied confi- 
dence and regard, must have been gratifying to Mr. Fisk and his 
family. 

The whole affair was well got up and conducted, and reflected great 
credit on the ladies and gentlemen of Wrentham. And as an "invited 
guest," I would express my thanks to them for one of the happiest days 
of my life. — Norfolk Oo. Democrat. 

We can give no report of Mr. Fisk's Discourse, which was a vast 
accumulation of facts and dates of local and of general interest, attended 
and completed by appropriate reflections. We trust that he is to be 
his own reporter, by furnishing a copy for the press. If this is done, 
as it must be, we shall take pleasure in preparing an abstract for our 
columns. 

The well executed music was performed by a veteran choir, most of 
whom looked as though they might have occupied the " singers' seats," 
nearly as long as their aged pastor had filled the pulpit. One of them, 
if we mistake not, actually gloried in a cne, that rare relic of the olden 
time. We need not say, that these experienced performers did up their 
work in excellent taste, and in the brave old style. The antiquated 
tune of "Lenox" was sung with all its fugues and catches, in a way 
that makes us want to hear it again. We warrant that it was no better 
done, when, fifty years ago, it was intoned at the ordination of our 
Nestorian patriarch. 

After the public services were concluded, a large procession was 
formed, and wound its willing way to a bounteous Collation, prepared 
for the occasion. A vigorous attack was made upon the viands, which, 
in their amplitude, well resisted the assaults which their tempting ex- 
cellence provoked. The company, having worn out their keen appe- 
tites in a vain attempt to keep the good old Yankee rule of " clearing 
your plates," then gave ear to a succession of spirited Speeches, which 
afforded vent to such emotions towards the faithful pastor and his faith- 
ful flock, as this rare and delightful occasion was adapted to awaken. 
It was a day 

" Of that allo-vvable and tempered mirth, 
"Which leaves a joy for memory.'' 

Puritan Recorder, 



11 






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